TIFF Movie Review – Under the Skin (2013)

A motorcycle driver disappears into the shadows and takes the unconscious body of a woman over to a RV who goes by the name of Laura (Scarlett Johansson); she goes on to have an out of body experience.  Laura travels around Scotland where she leads sexually aroused men to a lair where they disappear into a black floor underneath which is a liquid.  The bodies eventually implode leaving only the skin behind.  Looking into a mirror the alien predator begins to wonder what it is like to be human which leads to some disastrous results.

At first glance there are two different genres going on which are intercut with each other.  There is a road movie and the science fiction tale that combines the sensibilities of Stanley Kubrick (Eyes Wide Shut) with David Lynch (The Straight Story).  Dialogue is sparse allowing the imagery to be the focus.  The opening shot of a white dot on a black screen that slowly transforms into human eye was a major indication that this was not going to be a strange cinematic offering.

With Scarlett Johansson (The Island) disrobing a number of times one cannot help but feel that there is a voyeuristic element to the storytelling.  Hints are made that Laura is unable to eat human food but can eat human meat.  No strange tale can miss out in having a man with a disfigured face who Laura decides to set free; the action makes her a fugitive to the mysterious motorcycle riders.  While Laura is on the run she tries to have an intimate relationship with a man which leads to a funny moment while they are trying to have sex with one another.

Under the Skin is movie where it is all about style rather than story which makes it at times a frustrating and over-the-top viewing experience.   Scarlett Johansson plays the part well but one has to wonder, “What was the point of the cinematic journey?”  If avant-garde filmmaking is what you like certainly give Under the Skin a try but for those with commercial sensibilities it is best to hitch a ride somewhere else.