DVD Review: Under The Skin

By Brad Henderson

I find it harder these days to write reviews of films that I thoroughly enjoy, and easier to review the films that I think are OK or not the greatest. Under The Skin will be in my Top 10 for this year and will not move from that spot.

I heard few things about Under The Skin so I didn’t pursue seeing it. I heard that people enjoyed it but it wasn’t enough for me to drop what I was doing it and watch it right then and there. There really needs to be some kind of app, program, or a switch in your brain that tells you films that you will love and need to see. I know there are countless films out there that I will never see that I would probably love, but when it comes down to it we have limited time and way too many films. Don’t let Under The Skin be one of those films that you miss this year or ever.

Going into Under The Skin I didn’t know much about the plot and I will refrain giving any details away and focus more on what this film means to me and where I think it came from. This film is coming from the man (Jonathan Glazer) who brought us Sexy Beast and Birth. Both of these films are odd, beautiful, unique, and very underseen. Under The Skin is truly a masterpiece of cinema.

Under The Skin isn’t just a beautifully crafted film, it also has a lot to say about morality and social issues. It hasn’t left my mind in days and will probably be there for quite some time.

I would highly suggest going into Under The Skin blind for a few reasons. If you know minor details about the film you will be expecting something else. This also goes for reading the back of the box or the quick synopsis on IMDB. Letting this film unfold before your eyes is a treat. Seeing a story being told in one of the most unique ways possible is truly spectacular. I’ve recently spoken with a few colleagues who have seen this film, and they’ve shared similar thoughts and praise.

Scarlett Johansson carries Under The Skin mostly by herself. Because of the small cast, the film totally focuses on her and she gives a stellar performance through and through. There is very little dialogue and the story is mostly told through emotions and the feelings we get. So much is conveyed without actually saying anything.

I hope everyone seeks out Under The Skin. It makes a huge statement about society and sociology while also being artistic. It hits on so many levels, that it’s quite perplexing at first but once you get into it, it will embed itself into your brain. The only other film that has hit me this hard in recent years is The Act Of Killing (review), which is incredibly powerful on so many levels. Yes, The Act Of Killing is non-fiction and Under The Skin is fiction but that doesn’t mean it can’t have the same impact on us as a documentary would. If you do happen to track down Under The Skin and watch it I would love to know your thoughts and if you felt the same things I did.

Under The Skin was released on DVD on July 15 by Lionsgate.