By Becca Johnson August 30, 2024
Falling under the radar due to its limited release, as well as being overshadowed by box office bangers including 'Deadpool & Wolverine', 'Skincare' is an LA-based thriller starring Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games) and Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick), loosely based on the true story of Dawn LaLuise. The movie is directed by Austin Peters, a music video director known for his stylistic, dreamy approach whilst creating videos for the likes of Charli XCX, Bastille, Haim and more.
Impeccably acted by Banks and featuring a whirlwind story with plenty of intricate themes, 'Skincare' is a well crafted and entertaining thriller that whilst setting up an intriguing mystery, fails to stick the landing due to becoming too convoluted.
Synopsis
Famed aesthetician Hope Goldman is about to take her career to the next level by launching her very own skin care line. However, she soon faces a new challenge when a rival opens a boutique directly across from her store. Suspecting that someone is trying to sabotage her, she embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery of who's trying to destroy her life.
Review
The best thing about 'Skincare' is undoubtedly the lead performance from Elizabeth Banks; its good enough to make the movie worth watching for her alone. Playing a therapist named Hope who firstly seems to have it all, to then having her business and personal life sabotaged and attacked from all angles, the downward spiral the character faces is flawlessly performed by Banks. She is utterly believable in every scene, managing to ace both sides of Hope, whether it’s the picture-perfect glamorous Hollywood worker or the mid-breakdown anxiety and anger fueled victim of rumors and scandals. The supporting cast are pretty good too, with Lewis Pullman getting the most screen-time opposite her. He might go a little too over-the-top at times, but you can tell he’s having a blast with this slightly unhinged character. It’s a different role for him, which is fun to see. Luis Gerardo Mendez (Murder Mystery), Nathan Fillion (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Michaela Jae Rodriquez (tick, tick… BOOM!) also provide notable turns.
Though it may seem like your regular mystery thriller affair, 'Skincare' provides enough intrigue and development to keep you invested. What helps it stand out is the Hollywood setting, that goes hand in hand with outrage, scandal and and the need to be the best in the bizz. It’s the perfect placement for a movie of this calibre. The Hollywood location is utilised well throughout, with excellent juxtaposition between the glamorous backdrops and the ugliness being thrust upon Hope. It also allows for some interesting discourse to take front and centre; the script explores the superficial nature of the place, alongside the drive, determination and the ‘stop at nothing’ mentality of its residents to achieve success. This is explored superbly well in the context of lead character Hope, an individual who’s reputation and success story means the absolute world to her. We may not get much of a delve into her personal life outside of the skincare business, but that may just be the point - it is her whole life.
Themes and setting aside, as a thriller, 'Skincare' is a pretty competent one. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing, and a red herring or two that elevate the mystery element. The first two acts work tremendously well to build suspense, increase tension and create a gradual downward spiral for Hope that leaves the audience gagging for answers and in need of a shocking climax that reveals all. The filmmaking on display is great, with director Peters putting his well renowned energy into every frame. The script, whilst putting its thrills and tension first and foremost, has a really likable darkly comedic edge to it that’ll take you by surprises when the laughs arrive.
Despite all these elements making for a wild ride, the third act is unfortunately quite a disappointment. Sure, it provides a little more action and a crescendo of events as expected, but it takes things a little too far. 'Skincare' meanders into predictable territory, with an overly convoluted ending that works against the taut, tightly woven and white-knuckle approach of the first two acts. Although the majority of the run-time is fun and entertaining, it all comes down to the ending, and the disappointing wrap-up will likely leave many viewers cold.
'Skincare' is a thriller that would certainly garner a few fans if it was on the radar of the wider audience. Elizabeth Banks delivers work that may just be her best to date, carrying a script full of interesting themes, tense sequences and a gritty story. It’s predictable in places and doesn’t stick the landing, but is certainly worth a viewing due to how fun and unique the journey is.
Star Rating
'Skincare' released in US cinemas August 16
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