On DVD and Blu Ray - "Under The Skin" - (2014) - Scarlett Johansson stars in this deliberately paced character study of an alien seductress that cruises the Scottish landscape in search of single men. Luring the unfortunate souls back to her dilapidated, countryside lair, she... well, you're just going to have to watch it, now aren't you?
Our sentient being of unknown origin eventually begins to question her existence and purpose, while subsequently developing an interest in the human experience. Yes, it sounds a bit like 1995's Species, though, I assure you the familiar premise is tackled in an original, albeit 100% weird fashion. To those who have been (im)patiently waiting on Johansson to make a feature film debut appearance in all her nekkid glory: the wait is over.
Johansson is the only professional acting talent involved here, with the vast majority of the remaining cast comprised of non-actors. The 29-year-old actress puts in commendably brave work and appears dedicated to actively seeking out diverse roles and challenging projects.
I'll remember one particular interlude involving a disfigured fellow (Adam Pearson) for quite some time to come, while many will likely find a sequence involving an abandoned toddler left upon a beach before the rising tides as most disturbing. Potential viewers can expect strange sequences set in featureless voids and a black, oily abyss that... well, there I go again...
English director Jonathan Glazer's (Sexy Beast) Drama/Sci-Fi/Thriller is a tightly written and intelligent affair- those with patience, and a taste for the bizarre, should discover a highly rewarding experience. Although cold to the touch, I realized about two-thirds of the way through the film's run-time that I was slack-jawed and mesmerized. Yes, I've thrown the term "Kubrickian" around quite a bit in 2014, yet the pacing, captivating visual compositions and overall feel is once again undeniably reminiscent of the late, master auteur's style. The proceedings are further accentuated by a tense, string-heavy score that would have made Bernard Herrmann proud...
No, it's not for all tastes, though one thing's for certain- Scarlett Johansson's fans (and oglers) will never look upon the actress the same again...
Highly Recommended
9.0 out of 10
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Linsey Taylor Mackay
Run-Time: 108 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for graphic nudity, sexual content, some violence and language
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