Skincare is a gritty and glamorous thriller. Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks, Brighburn) is preparing for the launch of her new line of skin care products when a competing aesthetician opens their studio across from hers. Soon after, she begins to receive strange texts and online abuse. It is clear that someone is trying to sabotage her life, but who is doing it? And why?
It is unsurprising that a movie about a famed beautician would look great. Always dressed in fabulous clothes and stylish sunglasses, Goldman always looks great. Her makeup walks the thin line between too much and noticeable enough to where it accentuates her face. She is a perfect fit for the glitz of Hollywood.
Hope is not the only good looking person in Skincare. While not everyone is as flashy, each person the audience is introduced to looks immaculate. In particular, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) stands out for his spray tanned over made up morning television anchor. The characters that do not look as attractive are a stark contrast to the picture perfect bubble Hope and those in her circle reside. (Ironically, those who are least elegant may arguably be the kindest.)
The setting works the same way as the film alternates between opulent homes and dingy motel rooms. While location is never a very important part of Skincare, it does let audiences know what type of world they are entering. It also subtly presents the idea of how closely success and failure reside.
For all the beauty in Skincare, it is the story that is most engaging. Before the movie begins, a disclaimer states it is a fictionalized story based on true events. This sets the tone for all the intrigue and awfulness that is about to occur. The plot may not be entirely true, but it is also never fantastic. The attacks against Hope will shock audiences since they are things that can – and have – actually happened. When a strange email is sent out to all of her contacts without her knowledge is frightening enough, but when her personal information is placed online it is sickening.
The third act is a series of twists that highlight both the fear Hope is living with and how far she will go to succeed. It is tension filled and exciting, if a little predictable. Skincare is an effective thriller with beautiful storytelling.
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