Skincare
August 15th, 2024
MOVIE: SKINCARE
STARRING: ELIZABETH BANKS, LEWIS PULLMAN, LUIS GERARDO MÉNDEZ, MICHAELA JAÉ (MJ) RODRIGUEZ, NATHAN FILLION
DIRECTED BY: AUSTIN PETERS
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 STARS (Out of 4)
RUNTIME: 1 HR. 37 MIN.
RATED: R
The world of makeup and beauty is notoriously cut-throat, and Austin Peters’ new film Skincare captures this tension with striking clarity. While the beauty industry might not be a personal arena for many, in an age where Instagram followers seem more vital than oxygen, the relentless pressure to maintain a flawless appearance is all too relatable. Skincare presents a familiar narrative through the lens of aesthetician Hope Goldman, portrayed with conviction by Elizabeth Banks. Hope is on the brink of a major career leap with the launch of her product line. During a morning TV segment with the delightfully pompous Brett Wright (Nathan Fillion), she proudly declares that her products are “all supplied from Italy.” However, her world unravels when a rival boutique spa opens across the street, run by the rising star Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez).
As Hope’s empire is threatened, her life spirals into a series of escalating misfortunes: her phone is hacked and a crude email is sent to her contacts, her clients cancel their appointments, she receives unsolicited sext messages, and her TV segment is abruptly canceled. There seems to be no remedy for her mounting woes in this high-stakes environment.
Skincare unfolds in three acts: the build-up, Hope’s tragic downfall, and the consequences of her choices. The introduction of Jordan (Lewis Pullman), both an ally and a potential love interest, provides a glimmer of support as Hope navigates her deteriorating situation. The film’s tones and visual style evoke other Los Angeles social nightmare narratives, such as Nightcrawler, The Bling Ring, and Collateral. What stands out is Peters’ direction, co-written with Sam Freilich and Deering Regan, which effectively uses the sprawling isolation of LA to emphasize Hope’s solitude. Although not all the characters have similar depth—Michaela Jaé Rodriguez’s role as the worried assistant feels somewhat underdeveloped—watching a person’s downfall can still be compelling entertainment. As her inner circle diminishes, viewers are led to speculate on the identity of her tormentor. Yet Peters is less concerned with concealing the culprit and more focused on exposing the flawed aspirations of his protagonist, aptly named Hope. Skincare offers a standout performance from Banks, showcases the rising talent of Pullman, and delivers a twisty drama that I thoroughly enjoyed.
3 STARS
Written by: Leo Brady
