Skincare Review | Elizabeth Banks Shines in a Great Satirical Noir Mystery

by

Summary

  • Skincare
    is a cleverly directed thriller that satirizes the cutthroat world of beauty and Hollywood glamor.
  • Elizabeth Banks‘ award-worthy performance leads a wonderful cast who all get developed and explored in interesting ways, though we needed more Lewis Pullman.
  • Skincare
    is a sharp satire that blends mystery, crime, and thriller elements to great effect, at least until a disappointing ending.

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with decades of film-watching under my belt and a particular penchant for dark comedies that skewer societal ills, I must say that “Skincare” is an absolute gem. It masterfully dissects the cutthroat world of beauty and Hollywood glamour while offering an engaging mystery to boot. Elizabeth Banks’ performance is nothing short of award-worthy, leading a stellar cast that is deliciously fleshed out in intriguing ways, though I found myself craving more Lewis Pullman (and who doesn’t, really?).

In the not too distant future, de-aging could become a reality, much like in the fictional world portrayed in Skincare, the latest film release from IFC Films featuring an impressive ensemble led by the radiant Elizabeth Banks. This “sunshine noir” production, as its up-and-coming director Austin Peters (known for Give Me Future) describes it, promises to captivate you right from the start.

As Hope (Banks) strides purposefully along Sunset Boulevard and other iconic Hollywood streets in a quest for the American Dream, justice, and more, one might recall the timeless noir films from the ’70s and beyond. The story unfolds like a complex skincare routine, a seemingly pristine surface concealing decay beneath layers of artificial beauty regimens, fostering illusions of meritocracy, and a society consumed by youth, success, and superficiality. Although “Skincare” may not be the most SEO-friendly title, it encapsulates the metaphorical essence of the narrative’s themes effectively.

A Beautician Faces Mysterious Threats in Skincare

Initially, it’s hard to accept that this extraordinary narrative has its roots in a true story. Indeed, the plotline in Hope Goldman’s work is somewhat based on an actual beautician who was once arrested for planning to kill her competitor. As they often say, “Reality can be stranger than fiction.” However, the remainder of Skincare, despite this inspiration, is purely imaginative, offering a rich tapestry of intriguing characters that propel us on an exhilarating ride through the hidden world of beauty salons and the relentless pursuit to outshine in the competitive landscape.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 18 years since Banks last worked with the scene-stealing Nathan Fillion from the cult favorite movie “Slither” (2006). That zany sci-fi horror film still feels very much like a product of postmodern times, and so does the stylish, flashy, and chaotic world of “Skincare”, with Peters’ frantic directing at times giving the Safdie brothers a run for their money. The story begins peacefully as Hope showcases her Italian skincare products on a cheerful L.A. morning talk show hosted by Brett Wright (the hilarious Fillion).

However, things start to unravel and Hope’s confidence wanes (or perhaps her resolve weakens). It appears someone is working against her. Her email gets hacked, and someone pretends to be her online, posting absurd ads on Craigslist. The situation becomes confusing at times, but that seems to be the intention. Who could be behind this? Is it Jeff, Hope’s business landlord (played by John Billingsley), who recently allowed a rival beautician named Angel (Luis Gerardo Méndez) to open a salon right across the street from Hope? It doesn’t help that Angel is also blonde-haired, or that his beauty products might outperform hers.

Lewis Pullman and the Rest of a Great Supporting Cast

In addition to Fillion, another delightful real-life encounter takes place in this film, as Mendez previously worked under director Banks for the modern adaptation of Charlie’s Angels. These behind-the-scenes relationships among the actors seem to enhance the overall film. The bond between the actors is crucial, especially when they find themselves in awkwardly humorous situations, such as when Hope and Angel first meet and exchange sharp, underhanded glances. Furthermore, Banks and Fillion make a hilarious duo when their interactions become seedy and inappropriate.

As I navigate through the vibrant world of Tinseltown, I find myself surrounded by a kaleidoscope of friends, such as the up-and-coming influencer Jordan (a charismatic Lewis Pullman). Jordan is eager to assist me in my image overhaul, but it’s Hollywood — you never know what lies beneath, right? Playing opposite Bill Pullman’s burgeoning star son offers a refreshing shift for Lewis, providing him with a deep, multi-layered character to portray.

1. Apart from having an auto mechanic buddy named Armen (the boisterous Erik Palladino), Hope has another ally – Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, her steadfast assistant, who serves as a guiding beacon of morality in the series Skincare. When she learns that someone anonymously threatens Hope’s career, Armen becomes determined to take action beyond just email hacking and social media slander.

Peeking Beneath the Surface of L.A. Lives

The unique aspect of Skincare lies in its genuine concern for its characters, going beyond their roles by exploring their personal lives and delving deeper than simply using them as pieces in the puzzle of this mystery. Of all the characters, Jordan is the one we’d like to learn more about, perhaps due to Pullman’s exceptional storytelling abilities. Co-writer/director Peters elevates the film by offering a glimpse into these characters’ private lives, revealing the individuals behind their public personas and the masks they wear in society.

Read More

2024-08-15 23:33