A mysterious woman navigates the dimly lit streets of Glasgow, Scotland, her gaze and intentions remaining unclear. “Under the Skin” features many scenes just like this, as director Jonathan Glazer creates a film that immerses viewers in an unsettling experience rather than a conventional storyline.
Loosely based on the novel by Michel Faber, the film follows an unnamed woman, played by Scarlett Johansson, who roams Scotland in a van, interacting with lonely, unsuspecting men. As she navigates her surroundings, subtle changes in her behavior show she is more than what might appear. The film unfolds with minimal dialogue, instead relying on atmosphere and brief encounters to guide the plot.
However, the choice in plot progression may lose some viewers. The plot is lengthy and daunting in its pace. Scenes stretch out with little explanation, and the lack of focused narrative structure can feel disorienting. While some may interpret this as a deliberate artistic choice, others might find it difficult to stay engaged, especially as the film avoids conventional storytelling cues that typically move a plot forward.
George Colburn, senior in English education and president of the film society, said the film did not have a continuous plot.
“It just feels like a bunch of short films stitched together with no real continuity,” Colburn said.
Ben Taylor, sophomore in architecture and vice president of the WFAS, agreed with that sentiment.
“It’s like one short film that keeps repeating,” Taylor said. “The same things keep happening.”
Where “Under the Skin” shines, however, is in its visuals and music. Director Jonathan Glazer creates an eerie aesthetic through the cloudy, shadowed streets of Scotland, with shots that linger longer than expected, heightening the sense of unease. A repetitive, string-driven motif appears in the film’s most unsettling moments, while the woman’s restrained, almost mechanical expression remains constant, reinforcing the film’s haunting tone.
Ethan Hayden, senior in environmental science and member of WFAS, expressed his love for the visuals.
“This movie is gorgeous the entire time,” Hayden said. “Especially the details in the underwater scenes”
Overall, “Under the Skin” is not the easiest film to watch. It demands patience and focus from viewers, as it lacks a concrete plot. While some may appreciate its artistic elements, others might feel frustrated by its slow pacing. Despite its stunning visuals and captivating music, “Under the Skin” gets a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars from me.
