Under the Skin

A striking stranger moves through the streets of Glasgow with a quiet, unsettling confidence, drawing men into a bugged sense of comfort before something hidden takes hold. The film follows her, but not in the traditional sense of a chase; it tracks the mood she creates and the odd, almost clinical way she observes the world. Conversation is spare, but the visuals and sound design carry the weight, turning ordinary urban nights into a strange, enveloping space. There is no neat hero or clear motive, only a tacit tension that invites viewers to question what she is and what she wants. The result is an austere meditation on perception and humanity.

Directed by Jonathan Glazer, the film adapts Michel Faber’s novel and features a screenplay by Walter Campbell with contributions from Michel Faber and Milo Addica. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2013 before a wider release that year, followed by a gradual rollout to international markets.

It drew attention from critics and film festivals, earning nominations across several industry awards and critics circles. Viewers and industry observers highlighted Glazers direction and Johansson's restrained performance as standout elements, and the film's striking sound and image work were frequently praised, and it drew attention for its technical craft, with critics praising the sound design and the practical effects.

Since its release, the film has been cited for its striking Glasgow imagery, minimal dialogue, and the way it reframes the traditional predator character. Its unsettling mood and questions about humanity have influenced discussions in indie sci fi and stylish genre cinema, including debates about gendered gaze, consent, and urban isolation.

Critics were divided on pacing and clarity, but most agreed the film creates a hypnotic atmosphere that probes identity, autonomy, and otherness. The restrained performance and sparse dialogue invite interpretation, making the movie linger in memory long after the credits. It sits within a tradition of experimental sci fi that rewards patient viewing and thoughtful discussion.