Under the Skin
A24 | Release Date: April 4, 2014
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 513 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
338
Mixed:
83
Negative:
92
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10
OlivierPielMay 15, 2018
This is one of the best movies made since 2000. This movie represents the best metaphor of the abyss at the edge of which our Western democratic societies dance perilously close to at the moment. The underlying repulsion of nihilism andThis is one of the best movies made since 2000. This movie represents the best metaphor of the abyss at the edge of which our Western democratic societies dance perilously close to at the moment. The underlying repulsion of nihilism and materialism at the heart of this work of art is a wake up call to all of us to rebuild new values for a world where sex has replaced love, where selfishness pass as will to power, where utter loneliness has reduced our humanity to its most primitive form.
Brilliant. Real horror. Exactly what Colonel Kurtz meant.… Expand
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
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1
BroyaxAug 18, 2017
Attention : il s'agit d'un film surréaliste. Mais a contrario d'un film de David Lynch (à part Inland Empire bien sûr, à part et à éviter) il n'est ni captivant ni ironiquement drôle ni étrangement bizzare sur un fond un minimum rationnel.Attention : il s'agit d'un film surréaliste. Mais a contrario d'un film de David Lynch (à part Inland Empire bien sûr, à part et à éviter) il n'est ni captivant ni ironiquement drôle ni étrangement bizzare sur un fond un minimum rationnel.

C'est-à-dire qu'ici, on ne cherche pas bien longtemps à tenter d'interpréter le grand ni'mporte quoi sans queue ni tête de ce foutoir de mauvais goût, à part sans doute une vague psychose psychotique puisqu'en dehors de draguer dans sa fourgonnette (trop glamour, ouais), elle fait littéralement disparaître tous les gars qu'elle rencontre....

Pour le reste, on pourra sans doute trouver dans cette espèce de "film" d'autres sujets d'étude d'ordre psychiatrique, si l'on est soi-même un tant soit peu tourneboulé ou grand fumeur de moquette d'ascenseur.

Il y a néanmoins un soupçon d'intérêt, un embryon de curiosité à soulever dans cette "chose", cela concerne Scarlett Johansson elle-même : non pas que sa performance soit éblouissante, non, elle y est aussi médiocre que d'habitude ; non, c'est juste que Scarlett est souvent à poil dans ce film à la con !

Elle devrait faire quelques pilates et ralentir sur les gâteaux mais à part cela, c'est une fille généreuse qui pourrait figurer sur l'un de ces tableaux de la Renaissance ; les sujets féminins de cette époque y étaient en effet vilains de visage et bien en chair.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
santasaJan 24, 2023
I am really stunned by the reviews, top to bottom, and both users' and pro reviewers'. Most of them are disingenuous, without proper elaboration on this work. This is not your average feature film, go to cinema with a girlfriend or mate sortI am really stunned by the reviews, top to bottom, and both users' and pro reviewers'. Most of them are disingenuous, without proper elaboration on this work. This is not your average feature film, go to cinema with a girlfriend or mate sort of movie, it's not even for the late night TV program. This is an experimental film, a video project with lots of reality TV shots, documentary bits, theatrical choreographed performance, composed sequences of (choreographed) steps and moves, strange scene settings and designs, and most importantly, almost entire cast are "naturchiks" - non-professional and/or one-time actors/performers.
Unexpectedly American reviewers did not pan this project with sneer and low ratings, that is, until New York Post, veritas et virtus et scientia bastion, treated it with "tedious and pretentious" :-)… Expand
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6
LeZeeDec 14, 2016
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 whatThe 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 what this film is about. Most of the film was in a van driving around in the Scottland. An alien disguised as a human, looking for the single men in the uncrowded places to seduce and steal their skins. But one day after got curious about being a human being, her routine work gets affected seriously and so what happens to her after is told in the remaining film.

It's certainly not the film I was looking for. That's the reason I did not watch it when it got out. But I kind of liked it, it was not as boring as the others advised me. Usually films are for pleasure and timepass and this film did not have those qualities. Hence it financially failed. Surely some people would enjoy it, particularly the critics praised it which is unusual.

From the director of 'Birth', Scarlett Johansson in the lead and she was the only good thing in it. The story was a little complicated, so not everybody going the get it, not at the first glance, but if you do, you will enjoy it. The locations were awesome. Watching it on the cold stormy day brought me that original Scottish atmosphere here. I should have rated it better, but no regret for what I gave for it. Its not a suggestible kind, though worth a watch if you're fed up with the regular commercial films.

6/10… Expand
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6
marcmyworksMar 12, 2016
This film felt like a commentary on the abuse humans give to one another, to show interest only to gain. The disturbing part is that because the film is so slow and light, when things actually do happen they have an uncomfortable payoff.This film felt like a commentary on the abuse humans give to one another, to show interest only to gain. The disturbing part is that because the film is so slow and light, when things actually do happen they have an uncomfortable payoff. Overall beautifully shot, however dull and lifeless and lacks the depth it is trying to create.… Expand
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7
chwApr 23, 2015
Under the Skin was a very interesting indie flick. I wouldn't say it's a must-see movie, and I wouldn't say many people would enjoy it as much as I did, but people who see this will probably be entertained, at the least.
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6
wollam11Oct 31, 2018
You could take a short dive into a deep black abyss and experience the sense of ennui and melancholy that comes with questioning one's own existence in a world where you are alone. I did and ... meh.
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7
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
Under The Skin, as an oft-proclaimed "art film", is far less focussed on script and character than it is on pushing the boundaries of cinematography and intriguing editing to create truly one of the most beautiful-looking films of recentUnder The Skin, as an oft-proclaimed "art film", is far less focussed on script and character than it is on pushing the boundaries of cinematography and intriguing editing to create truly one of the most beautiful-looking films of recent times, its striking imagery and atonal soundtrack harking back to some of Kubrick's best work. Even if it is far too weird for some, and far too dull for others.… Expand
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3
TornadoCreatorApr 21, 2016
A film marketed as a sci-fi horror but with so little of both that it comes across as boring, far too slowly paced, and at times insultingly pretentious. There where at least some interesting concepts in this film but it felt extremely cheapA film marketed as a sci-fi horror but with so little of both that it comes across as boring, far too slowly paced, and at times insultingly pretentious. There where at least some interesting concepts in this film but it felt extremely cheap and without focus. Really, if felt like someone just followed Scarlett Johansson around and filmed her as she **** about in Scotland for a bit, only with the caveat that no-one would recognise her. The vast majority of the film has no dialogue, and there are way to many lingering shots where nothing happens except Scarlett stares at a wall, out of the window, at the ocean etc. for sometimes up to a minute or more. Yes, there is an ending that will explain at least some of what happened, but there's far too much left unexplained in an attempt to maintain mystery.

The only positive I can say about this film if I'm brutally honest, is kudos to the director for convincing Scarlett Johansson to give us three long scenes of full frontal nudity, including one that actually systematically pans around her body as she clenches in the nude. For any red-blooded heterosexual men, that scene will be reason alone to own this on DVD, but I can save you the trouble now and tell you 16 minutes, 59 minutes, and 1h 17mins. Those are the times for her nude scenes... fast forward through everything else.… Expand
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8
wealthychefMay 18, 2020
This movie is incredibly artistic and beautiful in so many ways. Scarlett is gorgeous and fearless in this role in using her body and face compellingly to help tell the story. My big knock on this movie would be that it is confusing. Also,This movie is incredibly artistic and beautiful in so many ways. Scarlett is gorgeous and fearless in this role in using her body and face compellingly to help tell the story. My big knock on this movie would be that it is confusing. Also, slow paced. Personally, I generally hate slow paced, indulgent movies. I would hate this one too normally. Scenes drag out with almost nothing happening but literally every scene also is so beautifully done it kept me engrossed. I was so fascinated by what the hell was happening that I stuck it out. The ending was eery and somehow satisfying to me. And some of the characters were really cool. But slooowwww pacing throughout.… Expand
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2
BlaKDemonaZJul 11, 2015
Uma das poucas coisas que realmente vale a pena nesse filme é a interpretação da Scarlett. No mais, a história se mostra interessante mas não se desenvolve direito, deixa várias pontas soltas e muitas coisas acabam sem explicação e sem oUma das poucas coisas que realmente vale a pena nesse filme é a interpretação da Scarlett. No mais, a história se mostra interessante mas não se desenvolve direito, deixa várias pontas soltas e muitas coisas acabam sem explicação e sem o mínimo de ideia de "por que" ou "como". É realmente um filme que não vale a pena ser visto, na minha opinião, 2/10.… Expand
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8
John935Nov 1, 2017
You might not like this film. You probably won't. The story won't unfold the way you want it to. You probably shouldn't see it. The score is dissonant. The photography's unnerving. Definitely you shouldn't watch this movie. I liked it butYou might not like this film. You probably won't. The story won't unfold the way you want it to. You probably shouldn't see it. The score is dissonant. The photography's unnerving. Definitely you shouldn't watch this movie. I liked it but what do I know?… Expand
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4
NRNSWMay 19, 2015
This feature-length sci-fi thriller has all the makings of an excellent short film. If you can get past the lack of dialogue and the lengthy scene shots, you will enjoy this film.
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10
truckproductionApr 6, 2015
If I could give this film an 11 I would. Having loved the book I was concerned to hear that Glazier had altered the film narrative. But only a few frames in and I already could tell it was going to be incredible. A film that relies mostly onIf I could give this film an 11 I would. Having loved the book I was concerned to hear that Glazier had altered the film narrative. But only a few frames in and I already could tell it was going to be incredible. A film that relies mostly on the emotional response from the audience to tell the story, many filmgoers won't connect having been so used to the overly absurdist films of today. But this film is a classic. Fantastic… Expand
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3
ValcanKrullJul 4, 2015
I wanted to like this but couldn't. It felt like Jonathan Glazer had just watched the last 30 minutes of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and George Lucas's college short "THX-1138" and decided to make this on a dare. I understoodI wanted to like this but couldn't. It felt like Jonathan Glazer had just watched the last 30 minutes of Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and George Lucas's college short "THX-1138" and decided to make this on a dare. I understood what was happening by the end of the film but it took too long to get there and left out so much of the narrative from the book that you end up with a hollow film.… Expand
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3
B5HARPFeb 22, 2016
If any other female lead was cast this movie would not have been rated so highly. I'm sure most of us men, including myself watched this just because of ScarJo. Yes she is nude in this, but this movie is horrible. She seduces a veryIf any other female lead was cast this movie would not have been rated so highly. I'm sure most of us men, including myself watched this just because of ScarJo. Yes she is nude in this, but this movie is horrible. She seduces a very disfigured man. Very few works are spoken. I'm sure it's supposed to be one of those DEEP/Intellingent movies, but it's not. No origin of who she is and why she does what she does. Unless you're into seeing Scarjo in her birthday suit, avoid this movie like a hot woman in a van at night.… Expand
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10
fangirlingtaniNov 15, 2015
Ok so I love this film and if you haven't see it, watch it. Bare in mind it's not for everyone. Anyway, I was at a party the morning this film came out, and I was super excited I literally left the party even though I had JUST dropped a tabOk so I love this film and if you haven't see it, watch it. Bare in mind it's not for everyone. Anyway, I was at a party the morning this film came out, and I was super excited I literally left the party even though I had JUST dropped a tab of acid, I had no car at the time so I could only walk, I walked to the store, bought a copy and went home made some tea while I listened to a rap playlist that my friend had given me, not that I listen to rap but I thought "hey why not". (So, I couldn't actually put a name to the songs that were playing or anything it was completely new to me). I put the film into my laptop and started watching, the first 5 or so minutes is a montage of deep space, with what seems like Scarlett Johansson learning phonics for the first time, anyway, without realising the rap-playlist my friend had given was still playing in another window on my laptop, but I didn't realise until maybe 15 minutes into the film, so I started it again, then it just got weirder from there, the acid finally kicked in and all I saw was Scarletts face melting in almost every shot, and at another point I thought I was drowning and gave birth to a child. it was not a good time and I thought that was the weirdest film I had ever seen in my life, anyway, I watched it again, sober this time, and loved it even more :) probably wont be doing acid any more.… Expand
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8
davd123Feb 25, 2018
So artistic and strange. If you love art you should love this movie. It was very strange but beautiful at the same time. After the movie I didn't knew how to feel and I was thinking about this movie a lot.
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7
pdw123Sep 19, 2016
Wow, certainly one of the most technically brilliant films I've ever seen, but one with the storyline and theme severely lacking. 5--for originality, visuals 5-for the sound and score, incredible! 5-for the stage production and breathtakingWow, certainly one of the most technically brilliant films I've ever seen, but one with the storyline and theme severely lacking. 5--for originality, visuals 5-for the sound and score, incredible! 5-for the stage production and breathtaking scenery in Scotland/cinematography, the best ever! 4-Johansson does a great "Blade Runner" replicant or whatever here, she's got it down pat, other indie actors also good. 5-for great pacing in the spirit of Kubrick, "Foxcatcher" also has that pacing with the dialog that I love. Glad filmmakers are starting to "get it", as the ADD chatter and rapid TV editing drives me crazy, as does, of course, watching the news!! 1 or 0--on that storyline, which made the whole film a bit incoherent, which is unfortunate, because would've been a GREAT film, otherwise...… Expand
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8
triple_coJan 3, 2017
A very strange but engaging film that is unsettling and highly metaphorical. With very little dialogue, long and seemingly empty shots, as well as slow movement and pace, 'Under The Skin' is definitely not for everyone. But, when given enoughA very strange but engaging film that is unsettling and highly metaphorical. With very little dialogue, long and seemingly empty shots, as well as slow movement and pace, 'Under The Skin' is definitely not for everyone. But, when given enough attention and focus, it is very rewarding. The most unsettling part of the entire project is its documentary style of filming. The camera use, lighting and cinematography makes it seem extremely realistic and grounded in the imperfect reality of rural Scotland. Shopping centres look like real places, unpolished and ordinary, and so Scarlett Johansson's luring of male victims seems all the more unnerving. An interpretive film, with creepy and emotionally distressing moments, it is definitely worth a watch. If you're a fan of subjective meaning and ambiguity, this may be something you will enjoy. It is definitely not for everyone, however, and it's no surprise that it didn't make huge profits at the box office.… Expand
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2
shiftworkerAug 22, 2016
A sci-fi / thriller fusion that doesn't work well as either for me. There's an arty style throughout which some may love, but which left me cold rather than engaged me. I felt some sympathy but no empathy. The sci-fi element was mostly behindA sci-fi / thriller fusion that doesn't work well as either for me. There's an arty style throughout which some may love, but which left me cold rather than engaged me. I felt some sympathy but no empathy. The sci-fi element was mostly behind the scenes rather than explicit. I felt relieved when this movie finished, wouldn't watch it again or recommend it to anyone I know personally. One for Scarlett Johansson and one for good use of Scottish locations.… Expand
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10
TrailesqueFeb 18, 2021
A genuinely weird and haunting little SF/horror/art flick that does get under one's skin. It stars Scarlett Johansson as an alluring but deadly creature of some kind. She roams around dull sections of urban Scotland in a plain van, pickingA genuinely weird and haunting little SF/horror/art flick that does get under one's skin. It stars Scarlett Johansson as an alluring but deadly creature of some kind. She roams around dull sections of urban Scotland in a plain van, picking up solitary men and doing something very strange to them. Around halfway thru, things change, and it becomes an interesting exploration indeed. The dialogue is very sparse, and the soundtrack is dominated by Mica Levi's dark score. There is some fine cinematography of Scottish winter landscapes towards the end.… Expand
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10
NEONFLEXIQMar 31, 2020
Phenomenal experience that I wish was more celebrated, but I guess it's too slow and ambiguous for some.
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10
SomePersonaFeb 14, 2017
Extensively original and incredibly crafted. All the secret allegories and meanings of this film are totally brilliant, and you can tell that a lot of time, work, and planning were required for this film to be totally amazing. Also, the scoreExtensively original and incredibly crafted. All the secret allegories and meanings of this film are totally brilliant, and you can tell that a lot of time, work, and planning were required for this film to be totally amazing. Also, the score by Mica Levi (aka Micachu) is an innovation to film music, just like this movie is an innovation to motion pictures.… Expand
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10
stephen42Feb 1, 2017
A film of such chilling beauty and shocking power Johnathan Glazers "Under The Skin" is one of the best science-fiction films of the last twenty years.

Featuring a breathtaking central performance from a truly beautiful but sinister ScarlettA film of such chilling beauty and shocking power Johnathan Glazers "Under The Skin" is one of the best science-fiction films of the last twenty years.

Featuring a breathtaking central performance from a truly beautiful but sinister Scarlett Johansson and played out to a strikingly haunting score from Mica"Jackie"Levy this is a true modern classic.… Expand
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10
BeastJ18Apr 27, 2018
Everything about this film is exquisite, the cinematography, editing, subtle performance, direction, etc... All of these film aspects are executed in the most masterful and subdued manner. It is a modern fable of discovery and tells the storyEverything about this film is exquisite, the cinematography, editing, subtle performance, direction, etc... All of these film aspects are executed in the most masterful and subdued manner. It is a modern fable of discovery and tells the story with little exposition, only imagery. This is an instant critical classic that explores humanity, love, femininity, identity, compassion and has a lot more subtext. The most Kubrickian film ever made, without being directed by the legend himself. It sways from immensely creepy, to powerfully brutal, to beautifully introspective with great ease and care. One of the best films of the 21st Century and one of my favourite films ever.… Expand
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8
TheSweBooDec 19, 2018
This is not a movie for everyone, let's just get that out of the way. It's an *artsy* movie with a lot of visual storytelling and metaphors. Play the MLG sound effects. I went into this movie since ScarJo is my favorite actress of all timeThis is not a movie for everyone, let's just get that out of the way. It's an *artsy* movie with a lot of visual storytelling and metaphors. Play the MLG sound effects. I went into this movie since ScarJo is my favorite actress of all time somewhat blind. I did not know she'd be nude in it, that came as a pleasant bonus surprise. I came out the other side disturbed but intrigued. Under the Skin is the type of movie that when you're finished you don't really know what you just watched and you don't really start appreciating the movie once you read up and watch theories, explanations and analyses. And sleeping on the movie for a while, I really do like it. It has some issues, nothing too major, but what it does right it does extremely well. A big part of the movie is the fear of the unknown and the movie **** nails that. You will see disturbing stuff you've hopefully never seen before accompanied by some of the most bone-chilling and unsettling music I've ever heard, serious props to the composer. This movie has the most terrifying jump scare I've ever seen, I am not kidding. I had to take a pause from watching the movie. And once again after 'Her' (my fav movie of all time), ScarJo wants to know what it means to be a human and the movie tackles that topic very well too. Those scenes with the men in the street are however the least engaging and can drag the pacing down varying degrees (I'm especially thinking of a scene with ScarJo walking around a telephone booth). ScarJo is great throughout the movie and also great is Adam Pearson, what a guy. Under the Skin is interesting and well made, there is no denying in that and the storytelling is there, you just have to think to take part in it. The movie won't throw anything into your face except disturbing terror that... gets under your skin hehe… Expand
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4
GREEK-GODJan 6, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I would like to start by saying i am a fan of films that are "different". I don't need a million gunshots or explosions to entertain me. I am not set on good guy vs bad guy and good guy winning. I like thought provoking films; i enjoy them much more than the soul sucking films that are manufactured on a daily basis. So i was intrigued by this one. The trailer was dark and seemed full of suspense. The critics had made bold comparisons with Stanley Kubrick, which in itself is a massive compliment. And as someone who lives in Scotland it had a little sentiment to it. But for me it was dull. Every time i thought it was going to pick up the pace, it decelerated. It was so slow it may as well have been going backwards. There are far too many scenes that are prolonged. I am fully aware of its intention to focus on aesthetically driven scenes. But 5/6 seconds is enough to appreciate it, not 10/15 seconds. At some points i thought the reel had maybe stuck and was expecting a CineWorld employee to come pacing round the corner to explain that there was something wrong. It just pauses at points that don't need that much attention. I am also aware of the symbolic nature the film carries. It is clearly a film you need to look further to understand it in more depth. That is fine; i welcome that, but the problem is that it does this without conviction. I don't need to see the masses of drunkards who swarm Sauchiehall Street 20 times. What is the purpose? To let us know that we, as people, blindly walk through life intoxicated not appreciating the finer things in life? That Under the skin we are empty? I assume that is a candidate for its meaning.

Scarlett Johansson doesn't have a lot to do in this film; basically make small talk and get naked, all the while with a plain face. And considering how ridiculous the Scottish actors are made to look, maybe she is due some credit for maintaining that straight face. There are a few things that bug me however; like she can walk down your average staircase, but panics with a spiral staircase. There is a definite point to this film, but with the layout, with there being no real culmination, no real explanation, it leaves you feeling you have been robbed of a film that could have been more. Could have told a better story. And for any Americans who watch, not all Scottish people talk like that, or wear horrible purple shirts, unnecessarily tucking them into our over elevated jeans. We don't all support Hibs and when a van is parked not all of us will gang up and try to break into the van. So feel free to visit. It is a nice place after all. Although the film had some stunning scenes and promotes Scotland visually, it doesn't exactly put the people in a great light. I wanted to enjoy this film, but i couldn't. I wanted to agree with comparisons with Kubrick, but i certainly won't. You can throw arguments of it was beautifully crafted or had symbolic serenity, but at the end of the day it is slow, uneventful and lacked culmination.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeFeb 26, 2018
how was that..

Under The Skin Expressing emotions and creating tension and urgency on the screen despite of using word is a sign of excellence in both writing and directing field. Under The Skin is a character-driven movie that is equallyhow was that..

Under The Skin

Expressing emotions and creating tension and urgency on the screen despite of using word is a sign of excellence in both writing and directing field. Under The Skin is a character-driven movie that is equally smart and soft to its core contradict to its hard raw brutal physique. Jonathan Glazer aces in projecting the on-paper words to the screen and brings out the character alive and pumping. Scarlett Johansson justifies her role and works hard on her character that itself remains mystery till the last frame. Under The Skin is a slow pill that unfolds in each phase and twists its way out as the plot thickens and the character ages on the screen.… Expand
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8
DEEPVALLEYJan 16, 2018
Under The Skin brings an unbelievably dark perspective on sexual desires and selfishness. The middle of the film is where I have my problems. The sex scenes become repetitive, and there were some confusing imagery that were trying toUnder The Skin brings an unbelievably dark perspective on sexual desires and selfishness. The middle of the film is where I have my problems. The sex scenes become repetitive, and there were some confusing imagery that were trying to symbolize something but I couldn't understand them. The films is at its strongest in the beginning and the end. The ending makes up so much for the confusing middle. The environment built around her sex life is so surreal. This films makes you question your selfishness during sexual activities.… Expand
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10
MahmusSep 25, 2020
Here's a movie I love to stare at in awe at how succesfully it manages to keep my atention, despite it's very slow pace.

One of the very few movies have made my heart almost stop with some of its imagery and sound. It's a hauntingHere's a movie I love to stare at in awe at how succesfully it manages to keep my atention, despite it's very slow pace.

One of the very few movies have made my heart almost stop with some of its imagery and sound.

It's a haunting masterpiece that's as fascinating as it is captivating

I love it.… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a sci-fi thriller film which features themes including desire, deformities, disguise and seduction. The film starts with a quite futuristic and spooky, disorientating scene, whereby we're looking at something from very, very close up and only slowly does the camera pan back to allow us to realise what we're seeing. There is a heavy presence of edgy sounding, screechy musical pieces, a bit like the well known classical score in Psycho. I found myself feeling quite intrigued by the main character, known, or regarded, only as 'The Female'. I felt it seemed quite claustrophobic, there was something really quite unsettling about it from early on, which was mostly coming across via said edgy musical pieces, which were mostly more along the lines of incidental music, rather than actual song tracks.

As well as edgy, its quite mysterious, both dark in terms of the lighting and environment and also in terms of the themes and plot itself. Some scenes came across to me like some kind of peculiar dream sequence. I should perhaps state that this film is directed by Jonathan Glazer, perhaps more well known for his other films including Sexy Beast and Birth, which are cult classics (maybe less so Birth, but certainly Sexy Beast). Suffice to say, there is quite an art house feel to the film and I found myself feeling somehow frustrated by the lack of constant dialogue. You could say this is a bit of a 'Marmite' film, in as much as you might really enjoy its edginess, the fact the plot is so slow to build (the plot pace is very slow) and so on, or it may really frustrate you. I thought it did quite well at making me wonder what the back story was to said main/lead female character, wondering what may happen next and what we might or might not discover. I certainly thought it did well at creating a mysterious and spooky feel and it seemed somewhat original, perhaps not so in terms of the type of film it was but in terms of some aspects of the plot and how we're shown things. It is a bit 'arty' but I wouldn't say its not without merit - its definitely different, thats for sure. If I had to criticise it, I'd say there wasn't quite enough of a general direction clearly put across and that if I hadn't read the main plot synopsis prior to watching it, I'd likely feel significantly more at a loss as to what its all about. If I had to compare it, I'd say think of the films of David Lynch and the like.

Its one of those films which leaves you wondering how am I supposed to interpret this? I wouldn't say there's no pretention present, there is but there is definitely something intriguing about it which kept me watchinhg. I feel that some aspects, certainly the musical score (or incidental pieces played, whatever the correct term is) were very well picked out and certainly helped to add to a very unsettling atmosphere, which some may quite appreciate and enjoy and which might spook out other people, that all depends on your personal taste of course.


Content wise, the film features quite a lot of nudity at different times, including full frontal male nudity and sex scenes. There is violence, although its not especially graphic or gory, being mostly mild to moderate with a bit of blood shown but otherwise nothing too excessive, which may surprise you (it did me). There also isn't a great deal of very strong language present but the film has a quite spooky and unsettling feel throughout and so, due to this, it could be deemed as somewhat frightening and disturbing for some people. Rather than scary as such, I'd say its definitely unsettling, in a kind of a spine chilling sense. The film has been given a 15 rating due to said content.

I think, hesitatingly, yes I would recommend this film but with the caveat that if you don't like being kept literally in the dark or being confused by things, then its likely not for you. If, however, your somewhat open minded and like artsy, mysterious films with intrigue, then you may find this quite good and certainly interesting. I suppose I'll go with the undecided option, as it really depends on your personal taste in films, whether you'd like this or not, so I'll leave it to you to decide.… Expand
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9
AWESOM-0Jan 25, 2020
Such a great movie! I want to give it a 10 but I think it will end up being a 9/9.5. Scarlett Johansson give her best performance ever, especially knowing that a lot of that was improvised, amazing. She is believable in every aspect of thatSuch a great movie! I want to give it a 10 but I think it will end up being a 9/9.5. Scarlett Johansson give her best performance ever, especially knowing that a lot of that was improvised, amazing. She is believable in every aspect of that character.… Expand
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1
AllanRutenbergApr 6, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I kept seeing this on lists of the "best Netflix movie" you haven't seen or best Sci fi everyone should see OR even "not great, but visually stunning," etc. So today, I decide to finally watch it. What a mistake.

Here's my synopsis - long, unnecessarily long shots of, mainly, Scarlett's character staring at things followed by unsuspecting men in Scotland getting metaphysically or metaphorically (can't decide yet) asorpbed into a liquid nothingness. Could you at least give us a motive for the lead, or do you just prefer to channel the wayyy overrated director Terrence Mallick? As for, "not the best" movie but visually stunning - go check out The Fall by Tarsem Singh instead. Hey, Jonathan Glazer - how about you go back to directing music videos & we'll call it (almost) even?

For the record, I'm writing this (FIRST Metacritic review @ the 1 hr & 11 min mark (on pause) DEBATING whether I should continue or not. Things is, I NEVER quit a movie! For if (I think) it's bad, I want to know how much worse it can get OR to see if it will actually redeem itself at some point. Honestly, I just want to stab my eyes out...… Expand
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10
ggiovaniJul 15, 2020
Impact, deep and unforgettable scenes, style, atmosphere, visuals & music, Scarlett Johansson's interpretation. Unique experience. Masterpiece.
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3
joejouzuJan 14, 2021
There are really interesting visuals in the movie, the kind that could make it a pretty good one - but the story is garbage. It's way too abstract, and leaves you bored.
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7
LumdogNov 13, 2021
I was pretty confused the whole time watching it; but by the end I appreciated the imagery and message the film was trying to convey. I mean it's a really slow burn; there's literally no dialogue until 20 minutes in. It's definitelyI was pretty confused the whole time watching it; but by the end I appreciated the imagery and message the film was trying to convey. I mean it's a really slow burn; there's literally no dialogue until 20 minutes in. It's definitely thought-provoking and worth watching to build your own interpretation of the film. But...this may prove just too weird for most people I reckon.… Expand
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9
yeqksDec 30, 2021
One of the most unique sci-fi films out there, and my favorite for that very reason. Feels like a spiritual successor to 2001 in a lot of ways. Scarlett Johansson's best performance by far by far, accompanied by one of the best scores inOne of the most unique sci-fi films out there, and my favorite for that very reason. Feels like a spiritual successor to 2001 in a lot of ways. Scarlett Johansson's best performance by far by far, accompanied by one of the best scores in science fiction history.… Expand
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9
PixarPalMar 31, 2022
To consider this film obtuse or pretentious is understandable if lazy or ill-informed. But to label this film empty and complain that 'nothing is happening' is totally false. Glazer uses silence, repetition, and simplicity throughout the filmTo consider this film obtuse or pretentious is understandable if lazy or ill-informed. But to label this film empty and complain that 'nothing is happening' is totally false. Glazer uses silence, repetition, and simplicity throughout the film to pare back an elaborate, special effects-heavy concept to a sparse, cohesive story focusing on an alien perspective of the human world. Glazer manages to conjure his own style, melding a naturalistic documentary approach to the horror/sci-fi mastery of Kubrick classics emphasising absorbing imagery and ethereal soundscapes. A mesmerising lead performance from Scarlett here.
9/10 [A]… Expand
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9
boltronJan 1, 2023
An amazing brain-melting movie. Brilliant sci-fi on a budget, it leaves a lot of room for you to fill in the blanks while it gets on with the job of being white-knuckle and claustrophobic. Like all my favorite horrors, there are zero jumpAn amazing brain-melting movie. Brilliant sci-fi on a budget, it leaves a lot of room for you to fill in the blanks while it gets on with the job of being white-knuckle and claustrophobic. Like all my favorite horrors, there are zero jump scares in this, everything is telegraphed from a mile away, yet there are still real surprises and a few "WHAT THE HELL!?" moments.… Expand
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