Film fans have hailed Under The Skin, a 'haunting' Scottish Highlands sci-fi horror starring Scarlett Johansson, a 'masterpiece'. The 2013 film, based on the novel of the same name by Highlands-based author Michel Faber, follows an alien who takes the form of a human woman and hunts men in Scotland.
Hollywood royalty Johansson, 41, plays the extraterrestrial character, driving around Scotland and trying to lure unsuspecting men into her van. Directed by British filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, Under The Skin is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
Filmed Across Scotland
The film features a number of rural locations across the country, including Glencoe and Loch Lomond. However, many of the more recognisable shots are filmed in Glasgow.
Johansson's character can be seen shopping in Buchanan Galleries before driving through streets including George Street, Argyle Street, Sauchiehall Street and St Vincent Street.
Hidden Cameras and Real People
What also makes Under The Skin so unique is that film bosses used hidden cameras and members of the public rather than traditional extras in the scenes. Glazer later confirmed he wanted the film to have a documentary-like style, immersing viewers in the real environments around Glasgow rather than making the city feel like a traditional movie set.
Johansson was disguised in a dark wig and would attempt to pick up real men on the streets while the director and crew hid inside the van. Once an interaction had been filmed, production assistants would approach those involved and ask for their consent to use the footage.
The Avengers actress later described shooting in Scotland as "brutal, cold and wet".
Critical Praise
Under The Skin scored an impressive 83 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, with many enthusiastic viewers even going as far as to say it is one of their favourite movies ever.
One fan gushed: "This is the best film to ever exist." A second echoed: "One of my favourite movies of all time. Was not even super into sci fi when i saw it. It’s been over 10 years and it still haunts me."
A third commented: "A unique and creative take from the novel. Scarlett Johansson does a phenomenal job here and the film is a haunting experience." A fourth penned: "Under the skin is an exceptional movie. Eerie, unsettling and original, it will definitely make you feel something and leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll. Definitely worth checking it out."
Yet another remarked: "This movie is a masterpiece. Wonderfully shot and paced. Dark, gloomy, forlorn, melancholy. Explores great topics if you want to dig into it- but it's also easily misinterpreted. The dark pool scene were Haunting! I am sad the movie won critical praise but that people were simply too stupid and vanilla to not get it."
Another viewer who enjoyed the film but rated the novel more wrote: "This is Super Scottish Sci-Fi. But the book is even better!" Under The Skin is available to watch for free on Channel 4.
