Average Bufph Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Lynsey Taylor Mackay
2013
A mysterious young woman seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland. However, events lead her to begin a process of self-discovery.
Scott's 'Under the Skin' is a haunting exploration of alienation and the human condition, wrapped in a visually striking sci-fi veneer. The film's minimalist aesthetic and its unsettling portrayal of a post-human world evoke a profound sense of unease and introspection. Scarlett Johansson's performance is both enigmatic and compelling, embodying the film's themes of isolation and existential dread with a haunting grace.
I was completely mesmerized by 'Under the Skin' and its haunting exploration of what it means to be human. Scarlett Johansson delivers an extraordinary performance as an alien entity experiencing consciousness and empathy for the first time, creating a character study that's both alien and deeply relatable. The film's minimalist approach and stunning cinematography reminded me of why I love cerebral science fiction like 'Solaris' and '2001: A Space Odyssey'.
While the deliberately slow pacing and abstract narrative won't appeal to everyone, I found it to be a profound meditation on identity, sexuality, and the human condition. The way the film uses Scotland's landscapes and real interactions with non-actors creates an unsettling authenticity that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. It's the kind of ambitious, thought-provoking science fiction that challenges viewers while exploring fundamental questions about consciousness and connection.
