Under the Skin
Under the Skin

Movie spotlight

Under the Skin

2014
Movie
108 min
English

A seductive stranger prowls the streets of Glasgow in search of prey: unsuspecting men who fall under her spell.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Metacritic80
Google Users78%
Director: Jonathan GlazerGenres: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama

Plot Summary

An enigmatic alien in the form of a young woman (Scarlett Johansson) drives around Scotland in a van, luring lonely men into a mysterious trap. As she carries out her mission on Earth, she begins to develop strange new impulses and questions her own identity. Her predatory existence starts to unravel as she experiences the world from a human perspective, leading to profound and dangerous consequences.

Critical Reception

Under the Skin received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its bold and unconventional approach to science fiction. Critics lauded Scarlett Johansson's hypnotic performance, the film's atmospheric direction, and its unsettling, thought-provoking themes. While some found its deliberate pacing and ambiguous narrative challenging, the majority praised its artistic merit and unique vision, solidifying its status as a modern cult classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its striking visuals and haunting atmosphere.

  • Scarlett Johansson's performance is a central highlight, delivering a captivating and nuanced portrayal.

  • The film's abstract narrative and unsettling tone provoke deep thought and discussion.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's unique artistic style and Scarlett Johansson's compelling performance. Many found the movie thought-provoking and visually arresting, though some noted its slow pace and abstract nature could be alienating.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival. Won Best Cinematography at the British Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

Much of the footage featuring Scarlett Johansson interacting with unsuspecting members of the public in Glasgow was shot using hidden cameras, with many of the 'extras' unaware they were being filmed for a feature film.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

7 reviews
badelf

badelf

Jonathan Glazer's "Under the Skin" arrives with the weight of critical adoration and art-house credentials, yet ultimately delivers less than its reputation suggests. While technically accomplished, the film demonstrates that technical virt...

sickingupdaisies

sickingupdaisies

What a beautifully intriguing film. I can tell it's not for everyone, but I certainly enjoyed it beginning to end. It's very visually interesting with well executed practical effects and eerie sound design. Scarlett Jo does an incredibl...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Well hats off to Scarlett Johansson for agreeing to come filming in a wet and wintry Glasgow for this quite intriguing sci-fi drama. She drives around the city in her van, ostensibly on the prowl for horny young men looking for a quickie. B...

larz9

larz9

A total artistic wank piece. The plot moves at a glacial speed, thanks to all the filler in it. Sure, it's about a curious alien living among humans and consuming them in some mysterious black fluid that only said alien can walk on. Othe...

Reno

Reno

**The lady from the white van.** First of all, this is not an entertaining film, but an alien theme on a fictional plot like how they would come live among us. Before that, they need to look like us, so they steal human skins and that's ...

talisencrw

talisencrw

This was a very bizarre and unique viewing experience for me. I greatly enjoy cinematic puzzles, and directors who have the wherewithal, guts and personal integrity to stick to their guns and project their distinct visions without caving in...

Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Johansson makes a great performance in an unlikely role, adding great sensuality to the film, even with her very different looking. The story and movie on itself is a rarety. Very fresh but, also, kind of an unfinished joke.

Video Reviews

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