One of Scarlett Johansson‘s best films ever has just arrived on streaming, and fans of her body of work now have the opportunity to watch it for absolutely free. The sci-fi thriller in question features Johansson in a very interesting role that’s unlike anything else she has ever done, and will likely remain so in the future.
Scarlett Johansson Shines in the Most Unconventional Alien Movie of All
The film is Under the Skin, Johansson’s arthouse sci-fi thriller that depicts a unique alien in what can only be described as an ongoing mission to exterminate us. The story follows an extraterrestrial who lands on our planet, and is able to disguise itself as a woman. The alien goes on a rampage hunting down men to feed itself, but also to learn more about the planet it has landed on. Extremely curious, the alien abandons its mission to feed and begins living among humans, which eventually results in terrible consequences.
Directed by Jonathan Glazer, best known for movies such as Birth and The Zone of Interest, Under the Skin was based on the book of the same name by Michel Faber. It was co-written by Glazer and Walter Campbell, and released by A24. It only grossed $7.4 million against its $13 million production budget, and was deemed a commercial failure. However, the critical reception was positive, and it eventually earned an 83% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes (the audience score is 55%).
Under the Skin is far from a conventional alien invasion movie. It is a slow-burn, bleak depiction of such a concept, lacking the large-budget special effects and conventional storytelling typical of many sci-fi films. On the contrary, its almost analog setting makes its depiction of the invasion all the more terrifying, with vulnerable men becoming easy prey for the alien and dying in unspeakable ways, which might upset some viewers. This disturbing approach earned the film its R rating for heavy nudity and sexual content.
Scarlett Johansson Is Returning to Franchise Territory
Under the Skin was released 12 years ago in theaters, right as Johansson was entering her early years playing Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She had already achieved star status, but her role in the superhero franchise would eventually become her biggest film endeavor. However, not even an appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier helped Under the Skin connect with audiences. Both were released in the United States on the same day, but they had two wildly different outcomes for Johansson.
Her participation in projects like Under the Skin shows the actor’s willingness to take on big projects as well as those that sit outside the studio system. Since the beginning of her career, she has kept an eye on indie productions while also staying busy with big IPs such as Jurassic World. In 2027 and 2028, Johansson will appear in two major franchise sequels in major roles. First, the actor will appear in an undisclosed role in Mike Flanagan’s official reimagining, The Exorcist: Martyrs. And the following year, Johansson will jump from Marvel to DC to play Gilda Dent in The Batman: Part II. Under the Skin is now streaming for free on Tubi.
Release Date
April 4, 2014
Runtime
108 minutes
Director
Jonathan Glazer
