‘Skincare’ Review: Elizabeth Banks Stars in Fictionalized True Story That Only Goes Skin Deep

As a seasoned cinephile with over three decades of film-watching under my belt and a keen eye for storytelling nuances, I must say that “Skincare” left me feeling as smooth and polished as a newly waxed forehead. The movie had potential to delve deeper into the darker aspects of the beauty industry, but it ultimately fell short in delivering a truly impactful narrative.

In most cases, when a movie based on real events doesn’t fully utilize the more outrageous aspects of its source material, it’s a missed opportunity. However, this is exactly what happens with the film “Skincare” directed by Austin Peters. While it does state that it’s a fictionalized version of a true-crime story about a renowned celebrity aesthetician accused of hiring a hitman to eliminate her competition, it only scratches the surface of the underlying themes like female anger, envy, and suspicion that were rampant in the early 2010s, often hidden beneath the polished facade of the ‘girl boss’ culture. The filmmakers create an engaging, atmospheric piece with stylish visuals and a captivating soundtrack, but they seem to hold back from fully exploring the story, leaving some wondering why they didn’t fully delve into the drama.

The skin, being our body’s largest organ and crucial for maintaining our health and physical integrity, is often the focus of attention, as seen in the opening shot which provides an up-close view of Hope Goldman’s (Elizabeth Banks) face, emphasizing the lines in her makeup foundation. This visual serves as a symbolic representation of the flaws in her plan for global conquest.

Two weeks ago, her life was meticulously planned: She was one of the most renowned aestheticians in town, catering to the flawless complexions of famous celebrities and affluent housewives, with her business poised for a significant breakthrough. Yet, tension has surfaced. She’s behind on rent for her studio, leased from John Billingsley, situated in Hollywood’s enchanting Crossroads of the World shopping center – a picturesque location that seems fitting for this once-happy tale now turned sour. The upcoming launch of her home skincare line (rumored to be imported from Italy), relies heavily on the media attention she’s pursued. Moreover, this self-proclaimed “glow-getter” is worrying excessively about maintaining a full schedule.

When Hope believes she’s got everything under control, an ambitious new neighbor, Angel (Luis Gerardo Méndez), disrupts her peaceful life. Their initial encounter is tense at best. Soon after, Hope encounters a series of troubling incidents – her tires get slashed, her emails are hacked to send explicit messages to her contacts, and she receives threatening texts and unwanted advances in person. Suspecting Angel as the orchestrator of these targeted attacks, Hope turns to Jordan (Lewis Pullman), a charming, athletic young man she recently reconnected with through a client (Wendie Malick). As Hope’s ordeal intensifies, she becomes increasingly paranoid and employs Armen (Erik Palladino) – a muscle she can call upon to neutralize her competition.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Peters, alongside Sam Freilich and Deering Regan, aren’t merely satirizing the beauty industry; they’re peeling back the glossy veneer that conceals its murky underbelly. This facade is adorned with fleeting trends, insatiable media cycles, and predatory individuals, all cleverly depicted in their work.

Among the movie’s more visible flaws, Hope’s assistant Marine (Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez) is severely underwritten, coming across as barely one-dimensional. She has no internality or arc, solely servicing the contrived needs of the screenwriters to get Hope from one pivotal place to another. The filmmakers are sloppy at handling the reveal of who’s behind Hope’s cyberbullying. The points when we figure it out (ages before any of the characters do), when the filmmakers show us (which is an hour in) and when Hope figures it out (which is late in the third act) come at staggered intervals. Had these details aligned, there could have been an impactful denouement.

Despite previously playing similar roles, including “The Beanie Bubble,” Bank delivers an impressive performance. If the script had allowed for it, this role could have given the actress a chance to delve deeper into Hope’s hallucinatory descent, as seen in films like “Repulsion” or “Black Swan.” Pullman, showing glimpses of his father Bill’s charisma from “Ruthless People,” excels at portraying the arrogant and dim-witted character that is a common figure in this city. Mendez also gives a solid performance, softening his character’s harsh traits with a refined subtlety.

The filmmakers chose to omit intriguing details from Hope’s story, despite its origins as a sensational news tale. It’s unexpected because Dawn DaLuise, the inspiration behind Hope, was not just a complex character with flaws but also someone who showed compassion, as suggested by her connections with convicted criminals like Nick Prugo of “The Bling Ring” infamy. This aspect of her life, where the police did not trust her despite evidence of her kindness, is surprisingly absent in a film that appears to have a strong feminist perspective. Furthermore, by combining the characteristics of Hope’s assailant from two different individuals, the filmmakers create confusion about the attacker’s intentions. Are they driven by greed, exploiting vulnerable women of a certain age, or is it revenge? Perhaps these aspects are not crucial to the story, and that’s the message being delivered to audiences. However, this decision leaves the portrayal feeling shallow and superficial in its depiction of Hollywood.

2024-08-16 02:16

‘Skincare’ Review: Elizabeth Banks Stars in Fictionalized True Story That Only Goes Skin Deep

Read More

Minority Mindset