‘Skincare’ Review: Elizabeth Banks Stars in a Mildly Entertaining Tale of Facials and Fixation

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience navigating the cutthroat world of online multiplayer games, I found myself drawn to Austin Peters’ narrative debut, Skincare. The film’s portrayal of Hope Goldman, the tenacious aesthetician played by Elizabeth Banks, resonated deeply with my own gaming alter ego.

In the opening scenes of “Skincare,” directed by Austin Peters, Elizabeth Banks portrays Hope Goldman, a renowned Los Angeles-based aesthetician. She’s about to unveil her line of skincare products, produced in Italy, which includes moisturizers, cleansers, and serums. Hope is an experienced cosmetics professional who, after two decades of treating Hollywood’s elite, is eager to share her secrets with the masses. However, there’s a snag: A new spa has sprung up nearby, owned by Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez), who appears determined to challenge Hope’s dominance, sparking a fierce competition.

The fictional tale Skincare, as introduced in an opening title, draws inspiration from real-life events that bear resemblance to the public spat between West Hollywood aestheticians Dawn DaLuise and Gabriel Suarez. Approximately a decade ago, DaLuise was imprisoned on charges of trying to hire someone to kill Suarez; however, she was later found not guilty by a jury. The truth behind this case continues to be shrouded in controversy, with DaLuise maintaining that the accusations were orchestrated by two stalkers. Skincare, penned by Peters, Freilich, and Regan, uses strands of this intricate storyline to weave a sharp and somewhat amusing narrative revolving around fame, reputation preservation, and an unhealthy fixation on maintaining both.

The story unfolds in 2013, just as social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok were expanding the brief fame of some users into countless hours. This era had an intense, desperate vibe that’s skillfully portrayed in this film through the work of cinematographer Christopher Ripley, who uses a grim, under-saturated visual style. Close-ups, particularly of Hope’s eyes heavily lined with dark eyeliner, create a suffocating atmosphere, while the music by Fatima Al Qadiri (known for Atlantics and Seeking Mavis Beacon) adds a chilling, spectral quality. People in this era, driven by the internet and influenced by hustle culture, often merged their private and public selves. Hope encapsulates the zeitgeist of that time with her statement, “I don’t see my life, who I am, as separate from my work.” Angel’s presence not only jeopardizes Hope’s business but also challenges her identity.

Exploring the authentic Hope Goldman forms the basis of “Skincare“, a story that chronicles her journey through her fixation. As peculiar occurrences take place around her – an intruder breaches her email list to send inappropriate messages to her clients, and someone slashes her tires – Hope becomes convinced Angel is causing these problems. A serendipitous meet-up with Jordan (played skillfully by Lewis Pullman), a versatile life coach, sparks an unforeseen alliance. Together, they work towards thwarting the negative assaults on Hope’s business and restoring her life to normalcy.

Peter skillfully manages the various aspects of the skincare industry, maintaining a swift pace throughout the movie. The characters are smoothly introduced with their histories neatly summarized. As Hope’s obsession with Angel deepens, it’s hard not to sense impending danger. Unfortunately, the tension that builds up slackens in Skincare, causing the tight-knit atmosphere to dissipate. Instead of allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the world of aestheticians and comprehend the intricate rules of this competitive field, the focus is on swiftly transitioning from one scene to another.

As a fan, I could’ve delved deeper into the intriguing lives of some secondary characters, such as Angel, the owner of the salon that provides Hope with her secret anti-aging formula. Or perhaps Marine, Hope’s assistant and publicity manager, who played a pivotal role in reminding us of the significant impact this business has on Hope’s life. Giving more focus to them would have allowed for an exploration of Hollywood’s fixation on youth (bringing the film closer to Coralie Fargeat’s acclaimed work, The Substance) and the strife between traditional aestheticians and their modern counterparts. These elements were already woven into Peters’ narrative; it just needed a gentle unraveling to truly bring them to light.

2024-08-14 16:24

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