A Haunting, Hypnotic Sci-Fi Experience
Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin is a profoundly troubling and gorgeous commentary that is bound to shock you on the subjects of identity, humanity, and alienation. The movie is not traditional sci-fi fare. Instead of being a simple story waiting to be told, it employs stunning visuals, terrifying sound effects, and an unsettling atmosphere to ensnare the viewer into the protagonist’s disorienting journey. It does all of this and more while serving as an experience unto itself.
To some extent, it’s not even about an extraterrestrial in human skin – instead, we view the world from an alien’s perspective: devoid of any understanding and constantly feeling as though you are watching from outside the glass box.
Under the Skin generates the same feelings of energetic presence. And to further enhance this feeling, the movie used a structural approach to narrative that is intentionally transcendent to that of reality, allowing for minimal dialogue. This dreamy quality encapsulated within the movie Is what truly sets it apart from the rest.
Under the Skin serves to highlight the trauma of being an outcast by focusing on its alienate features which in turn evokes sympathy.
Plot Summarry (Mild Spoilers, But No Major Reveals)
We are first introduced to a woman(carrier) with a single name, who approaches Earth in a chilling and abstract manner driving a van through the stre af scotland where she distracts the unaware populace before proceeding to pick them up. Once she has a hold of her prey, she enchants them inviting them into a dark void where they are consumed in a disturbingly beautiful process.
At first, she appears to traverse the world with an icy demeanor, as if she is simply a robot devoid of feelings. It is evident that her motives are heavily concealed, and even her actions seem scrupulously premeditated. The men she has set her sight on look oblivious to their outcome as they stare in a daze at her. However, with time, cracks begin to show in her mask.
A noteworthy one is when she spots a man that has a deformity on his face. Unlike the rest of her victims, this one is quite reserved, gentle, and unsure of himself. A change occurs in her when awakens something deep within her – a strange feeling of wonder and sympathy. She’s not a predator anymore. Just like him, she feels the need to reflect on her purpose, her existence as well as her identity. Does she even fit in the world she exists in?
Integrating into human society proves to be a vigorous task, as she undergoes the challenge of basic human activities – consuming food, building bonds, and experiencing what desire truly is. The more human she tries to be, the more fragile she turns out to be. This leads her to make a choice that borders on the tragic and overwhelmingly complex.
Key Themes & Symbolism
- Alienation and The Outsiders Looking In
The protagonist of the film “Under the Skin” starts off as an observer. As the film progresses, it becomes clear how different life appears to a person with no understanding of humanity. The protagonist steps into a world where she tries to copy human activities without any comprehension of the actions she is performing. The film highlights her alienation from the human race and how out of the ordinary simple acts are when perceived by an outlander.
- The Male Gaze and the Power Relations Shifted
Johansson’s character elicits the ultimate femme fatale. As the ultimate seductress she appears to uses her beauty to lure men into sexual situations they are not ready for. But, as she turns into the centerpiece of the story this power dynamic is shifted as she gradually starts losing control — raising a lot of questions on the perception of women in society and violence against women.
- Humanity and Metamorphosis
It explores the concept of humanity, not only physically but also emotionally and existentially. As the main character starts to feel self-aware, she unlocks the ability to feel emotions—curiosity, fear, loneliness, rage. This change is categorical, and the fact that the changes are so deep profoundly alters the path of the narrative.
Scarlett Johansson’s Performance
This marks one of Johansson’s most unconventional and bold roles to take on.
Most of her performance is essentially mute, which instead showcases the use of face and body to articulate emotion.
Numerous scenes were shot with the use of hidden cameras as Johansson interacted with genuine, unsuspecting people which contributed to her performance’s unpredictability.
Cinematography & Sound Design
Visuals & Atmosphere
The surrealism juxtaposed with realism in the cinematography is remarkable. During the alien seduction scenes, there is a strange, otherworldly effect as these moments unfold in a dark, liquid-like void.
On the contrary, the fictional world is presented in a downright documentary and raw fashion which serves to differentiate the protagonist’s alien essence even more.
Score by Mica Levi
The soundtrack is both dissonant and haunting, serving as an important factor in creating tension.
The music almost appears to be insect-like or inhuman, which is a metaphor for the protagonist’s unsettling character.
Critical Reception & Impact
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% (Critics) | 55% (Audience) – The abstract nature tends to divide viewers.
Metacritic: 80/100: Some viewers were disappointed with the slow pacing and ambiguity while critics hailed it as a masterpiece.
Awards: Won several film festival awards and has since gained cult following.
Under the Skin received mixed reviews: critics regarded it as a bold and intense, avant-garde masterpiece, while some viewers hated its slow pace and cryptic storytelling. It is a film that takes time to unravel and is unforgettable, thought provoking experience for those willing to immerse themselves mindful of slow unraveling of story.
The verdict: Is the film worth watching?
For those who appreciate underlining themes and elements rooted in science fiction and enjoy films like 2001 Space Odyssey, The Man Who Fell to Earth, or even Annihilation, then Under the Skin is a must watch. It is surreal, terrifying, and philosophically deep and its atmospheric setting stays with you after watching the movie and its credits.
Fortunately, those who fancy action focused or verbose dominated science fiction movies might find it overly slow or abstract for their liking.
