Jonathan Glazer's 2014 sci-fi thriller Under the Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson, is now available to stream for free on various platforms, including Tubi, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel, Plex, Fandango, and Xumo Play. The film, noted for its unsettling atmosphere and ambiguous narrative, has gained a cult following since its release.
While Under the Skin gained some notoriety for clips and images circulating online, the full scope of the film is often overlooked. Johansson portrays an unnamed extraterrestrial who drives a van through Scotland, luring lonely men to their deaths. The film diverges significantly from the 2000 novel it's based on, which clearly identifies the protagonist as an alien abducting humans for consumption. Glazer's adaptation offers a more abstract and interpretive experience, focusing on the alien's immersion and apparent fascination with human existence.
The film's minimalist approach, with extended periods of silence and reliance on visual storytelling, contributes to its unique, often disorienting feel. Many scenes employ hidden cameras and feature non-professional actors, enhancing the sense of observing a strange reality.
Under the Skin is often discussed alongside Johansson's roles in Her (2013) and Lucy (2014) as a thematic exploration of her public image and commodification. In Her, she voiced an AI operating system, while Lucy depicted a character who gains extraordinary powers. Under the Skin presents her as a hidden threat, completing a thematic arc about her persona as a manufactured entity.
The film was not a commercial success upon its release, partly due to its challenging and unconventional nature. However, its distinctive visual style and thought-provoking themes have cemented its status as a significant work in contemporary science fiction cinema.