Under the Skin Crowned Best British Film of the 2000s in Prestigious Poll
The British Film Institute's esteemed Sight and Sound magazine has conducted its decadal poll of the greatest films in cinematic history since 1952. In the latest 2022 iteration, over 1,600 film critics, programmers, curators, archivists, and academics submitted their personal top ten ballots, resulting in a definitive ranking of 250 films. Among this illustrious list, the highest-ranked British film from the 21st century is Jonathan Glazer's sci-fi horror masterpiece, Under the Skin, now available for streaming.
A Haunting and Ambiguous Cinematic Experience
Released in 2013, Under the Skin features Scarlett Johansson in a mesmerising performance as a seductive alien predator roaming the streets of Scotland. Loosely adapted from Michel Faber's novel of the same name, the film follows this unnamed female character as she preys on unsuspecting men, with her true motives—to kill and butcher them for meat—shrouded in ambiguity. The BFI praised it as "an astonishing amalgam of fantasy and reality," highlighting its mind-bending visuals, hallucinatory sound design, and unexpected naturalism.
Director Jonathan Glazer, who later won awards for The Zone of Interest in 2023, employed guerrilla filmmaking tactics, using hidden cameras to capture genuine interactions in Glasgow. This innovative approach lent the film an intimate realism that continues to captivate audiences. Despite its critical acclaim, Under the Skin divided opinion sharply, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding its elusive message challenging.
Critical Acclaim and Divisive Reception
The film holds an 83% "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting its absorbing imagery and Johansson's haunting performance. The Guardian awarded it five out of five stars, while the Chicago Sun-Times celebrated it as a pinnacle of film as art. However, it underperformed at the box office, though it did secure BAFTA nominations for Outstanding British Film and Best Original Music.
Over a decade after its release, debates about its status persist. On Reddit in 2025, one viewer expressed uncertainty, asking whether it was a masterpiece or a terrible movie. Responses varied, with one fan calling it "one of the best movies of the previous decade" and another declaring it an absolute masterpiece that left a lasting impression. A third noted its polarising nature, reflecting the Marmite-like divide among audiences.
Streaming Availability and Legacy
For those eager to experience this cinematic enigma, Under the Skin is currently available to stream for free for Amazon Prime subscribers. Its placement at number 169 in the Sight and Sound poll underscores its enduring impact and recognition as a landmark in British filmmaking. Whether viewed as a profound artistic achievement or an ambiguous puzzle, it remains a must-watch for film enthusiasts exploring the best of 21st-century cinema.
