THE PLOT THUS FAR
A voluptuous woman of unknown origin (Johansson) combs the highways in search of isolated or forsaken men, luring a succession of lost souls into an otherworldly lair. They are seduced, stripped of their humanity, and never heard from again. Based on the novel by Michel Faber, Under the Skin examines human experience from the perspective of an unforgettable heroine who grows too comfortable in her borrowed skin, until she is abducted into humanity with devastating results.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Under The Skin” is a film about an alien woman that stalks lonely and loving men throughout Scotland. She seduces them and then tears off their flesh. While she abandons the dead she’s stalked by a figure that may or may not be trying to hurt her. Scarlett Johansson plays her as a character desperate to try and find meaning. But, she’s an animal doing what her base nature requires her to accomplish.
Scarlett Johansson offers up something meaningful, yet evocative of others’ work. When her alien creature is finally found out, the final act goes dark yet inviting. The audience should know by the midway point of the film that there is no possible way for this film to end on an up note. However, when Johansson’s character is cornered, you find yourself hoping for a peaceful solution that would allow for greater understanding. But, that’s not what good fiction provides. Good fiction is a slightly warped mirror that allows us to see new dimensions without losing ourselves.
The Blu-Ray comes with a Digital HD copy and featurettes as the special features. The A/V Quality is pretty sharp for a newer indie film. The 1080p transfer is pitch perfect with detail that just screams necessary in 1080p and it leaves me wanting a 4K presentation. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track is masterful as well. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!