Famed aesthetician Hope Goldman, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, is on the cusp of a major career advancement with the launch of her very own skincare line. However, her professional and personal lives become increasingly complicated when a rival facialist, Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez), opens a new skincare boutique directly across from her store. This proximity sparks a series of unsettling events, leading Hope to suspect that someone is targeting her.
The L.A. Setting as a Metaphor
The genius of "Skincare" lies in its effective use of Los Angeles and its image- and celebrity-driven culture as a metaphor for empty lives. The film delves into the superficiality of a city obsessed with appearance and the lengths people will go to maintain their desired image. This critique of #GirlBoss culture, while entertaining, is explored through a script that is neither consistently funny nor dark enough to stand out.
A Blend of Genres: Comedy, Mystery, and Thriller
While marketed with elements of comedy, mystery, and thriller, "Skincare" often struggles to find its footing. Critics note that the film feels like a quick trip to the local spa - providing instant gratification and a temporary escape, but not necessarily life-changing. The comedy can get lost along the way, and the plot sometimes veers into confusing territory, leaving audiences questioning the characters' erratic behavior.
SKINCARE Movie Review | Elizabeth Banks | Lewis Pullman | IFC Films
Characters and Performances
Elizabeth Banks delivers a compelling, albeit flawed, portrayal of Hope Goldman, navigating a wide range of emotions. Lewis Pullman also offers an interesting take on a potentially sketchy character, adding layers to the narrative. However, some critics feel that the film's writers and director don't fully grasp or appreciate their complex female protagonist. While Hope faces sexual targeting and endangerment, the story often underplays the likely feelings of degradation and humiliation she would experience, focusing more on the threat to her business than her personal safety.
Luis Gerardo Méndez as Angel Vergara is described as a pretentious poseur who mirrors Hope's life, dreams, and aesthetic. His presence across the street from Hope's salon immediately creates tension. John Billingsley appears as a landlord demanding overdue rent, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez plays his right-hand woman, adding to the pressure Hope faces.
Narrative and Themes
"Skincare" attempts to explore multiple themes, including jealousy, paranoia, feminine rage, career ambition, gender equality, and the pursuit of dominance. The film is based on events that happened to Hollywood esthetician Dawn DaLuise in 2013, but it takes creative liberties, presenting itself as a fictional story inspired by true events. This approach allows for narrative freedom but also means audiences miss out on some of the more bizarre real-life connections, such as a link to the "Bling Ring" burglaries.
The film's premise and the events it's based on are riveting and offer a study of human behavior, particularly concerning control and its potential to spin out of control. The narrative explores what happens when individuals are determined to control a situation, only to find themselves overwhelmed by its consequences. The movie also touches upon the idea that reputation is everything in the beauty industry, and even great first impressions can backfire.
The "Sunshine Noir" Aesthetic
Director Austin Peters, known for his music video work, brings a distinctive "sunshine noir" aesthetic to "Skincare." This style aims to capture the grittiness beneath the bright surface of Los Angeles. The vivid shades and colorful exploration of dead-end American Dreams are reminiscent of films like "The Bling Ring." However, the film's aesthetic, while visually striking, doesn't always align with the psychological horror unfolding, leading to a disconnect where the tension never fully escalates beyond discomfort.
The film's score blends dreamy, whimsical melodies with the unfolding horror, creating a dark contrast. Extreme close-ups of skin treatments and the general focus on beauty techniques contribute to the film's thematic exploration of obsession and the pursuit of perfection.
Critiques and Superficiality
Despite its promising premise and strong performances, "Skincare" is frequently criticized for being too shallow. The overarching problem is the film's tendency to remain on the surface, even if that is intentional. The narrative doesn't delve deeply enough into Hope's hidden past, the supporting characters, or the complexities of the lives hinted at, which would have made the story more compelling and the characters more real. The film is described as a "whodunnit" where audiences will likely figure out the culprit before the character does. Ultimately, "Skincare" is seen as an interesting concept that doesn't quite reach its full potential, with the entire enterprise failing to move beyond skin deep.
The film's exploration of themes like control and how it applies to real life, particularly concerning women's success and the pressures they face, is present but not fully realized. While the narrative touches upon the dangers of online identity theft and harassment, particularly through revenge porn tactics and misleading personal ads, the emotional impact is often muted. The film's ending is described as lackluster and emotionally shallow, failing to fully resolve the sinister descent it sets up.