When Jonathan Glazer made Birth in 2004, it was met with about as much enthusiasm as a trip to the dentist. However, in the years since the film has regained some critical favor, sparking many talks of a genius work that was misunderstood at the time. So it’s only fitting that Glazer follows up that movie with Under the Skin, a movie that could have been equally trashed and misunderstood. However, lucky for us viewers today, Under the Skin proves to be a mesmerizing film that takes you on a hypnotic journey and Under the Skin is one of cinema’s most unique experiences.
Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson plays an alien who is brought to earth, given a van, and some semblance of a plan to harvest men. We see her attempting to pick up men, failing some of the time and succeeding in luring men back to her place. But like most experiences, the alien begins to change, the interactions become longer, each situation lending a next wrinkle to her life and changing her.
If I had to address one thing about the film that I found fault with it was that the way the movie is constructed it feels both too long and too short. Much of the film is set up to mesmerize without explaining much in the way of the story, yet when the movie kicks into full gear, it’s with less than desired time left in the 108 minute running time. I don’t know whether this is a reflection of the narrative being unevenly paced or just the spell of the film hitting late, but I thought the interesting events took place in the later half. Especially with the interaction Johansson’s character has with the deformed person she meets and the ramifications it has both for her and whatever entity she’s serving, make for some really enthralling situations I wish the movie spent more time with. I would have gladly sacrificed the first sinking into the water sequence (wonderful though it was) or one of the earlier pick ups for 5 more minutes near the end of the film. Of course this is a minor squabble and Under the Skin having this problem is not the worst thing that could happen to a movie.
Despite this issue, the movie is solid enough to keep you entranced even as its spinning a wild web. Glazer is an incredible visual artist and he dazzles here. Under the Skin is a weird movie, but in Glazer’s sure hand nothing feels out-of-place or showy just to be showy, something very impressive for a movie about atmosphere. It’s probably why the more dazzling shots (the end of the first seduction, the haunting final sequence) work so well. It’s also probably why Scarlett Johansson, in a very reserved role, turns in one of her best performances yet. Though the part is physical, and yes you do see her nude, the part is so much more about being a character in a new environment whose motivations are murky, something she excels at.
I’d recommend this movie for anyone looking for a challenging film that will mesmerize.
Grade: ***1/2/****