Skincare

Billed as a thriller, I was expecting a stalker type film reminiscent of something from the 80s. But the tone is really that of a dark comedy with some mystery added in.

Elizabeth Banks plays a business woman in the cosmetic industry on the verge of breakthrough success. After a competitor moves in down the street, Banks' character becomes the victim of ongoing and escalating harassment with the seeming goal of destroying her business. Refusing to be a victim, she decides to fight back.

A lot of potential in the premise and it did keep my interest throughout. Unfortunately, the reveal is anticlimactic and the film lacks a satisfying conclusion.

As I was leaving, I heard a man tell his girlfriend that he thought this felt like a made for Netflix film. Agreed.

This 2024 film directed by Austin Peters states in its opening credits that it: inspired by true events. Title cards dissolved into a television interview in process with the main protagonist: "Hope Goldman".

The whole narrative is a good, stylish portrayal of narcissism and told through the gaze of "Goldman", a Hollywood "facialist" (skin treatment for celebrities). A new business for alternative skin treatment shows up across the street but for "Goldman", this is not good for business.

Rest of the film's story revolves around social media mistreatment and "cancelling"; professional reputations with many involved. Supporting roles like "Goldman"; public relations specialist, "Marine" played by Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez from "Rent" musical fame plus a cameo of Wendy Malick (from 90s TV "Just Shoot Me" sitcom).

Banks is a strong lead but what's interesting is Peters's micro camera shots of skincare products, giving a late night "informercial" vibe! It also reminds one of product placement happening throughout the whole film.

Visually this film really does its best to showcase Hollywood's craze for vanity, narcissism but suggesting its celebrity culture. Taking on a comedic knee jerk at ego competition and the beauty industry via social media hype/self-marketing references.

This black comedy definitely takes an artistic licence focused on skincare treatments and products - maybe commenting on its non-regulated aspects?. Coming out at the right resently where "skin influencers" are running amok on social media and being criticized. In some cases targeting communities that shouldn't be worried about ageing.

Recently real-life skincare guru, Dawn DaLuise has come out in the media about how this film discredits her lived experience. Da Luise was a controversy amongst Hollywood's beauty industry about years ago. According to media outlets, DaLuise was accused of trying to arrange a hit on another competitive skin treatment business owner. That she supposedly is working on her own documentary - maybe these true events influence this movie production.

As a thriller, it needed to be...more thrilling. There really wasn't enough going on to elevate it above being a decent Lifetime movie, an episode of Nip/Tuck, or a concise hour-long rerun of Dateline with Keith Morrison narrating in his patented Canadian way. Or maybe, the other guy...Dennis whats-his-face. You know, the one with the moles and skin tags. Oh hey, he would have been a great choice for the reenactment of this movie.

But that is the problem with Skincare: it is just too safe and by-the-book. Even the lady that inspired the script said that the actual events were even crazier. And the film itself needed more style. Like literally 2020's horror offering The Stylist comes immediately to mind. There needed to be a central underlying metaphor. Something to do with the "ugliness" of the aesthetician profession. Something more than what was presented.

I don't know. It was fine. Just more ridiculousness would have been appreciated.

Greetings again from the darkness. Billed as "a fictional story inspired by true events", the film pretty obviously draws from the 2014 case where aesthetician Dawn DaLouise was accused of plotting the murder of rival Gabriel Suarez. This is the first feature film from music video director Austin Peters, who co-wrote the script with Sam Freilich and Deering Regan (all first-time screenwriters). Although there is some entertainment value here, the inexperience of the filmmakers shines through, leaving us wishing for a bit more heft.

The very talented Elizabeth Banks stars as Hope Goldman. It's 2013 Los Angeles, and after a year of treating the stars to facials, Hope is on the verge of rolling out her own line of facial products. Her financial backer has recently deserted her, causing stress ... but nothing like the stress Hope is about to experience.

A lot happens very fast. Hope tapes a segment for a local TV talk show hosted by Nathan Fillion. Angel (Luis Gerardo Mendez) opens an anti-aging salon directly across from Hope's shop. One of her clients introduces her to Jordan (Lewis Pullman), a Life Coach who has just moved to town. Hope's assistant, Marine (Michaela Jae Rodriguez), acts as her assistant and 'publicity manager', and reacts as strongly as Hope when a vicious online hack attack goes beyond the business and into the realm of personal, jeopardizing the business and Hope's reputation.

The supporting cast includes John Billingsley, Wendie Malick, Ella Balinska, and Jesse Salor, and we can't help but notice the too-frequent segments featuring over-the-top acting ... perhaps in an effort to spice up the messy story. There is a definite 1980's cable movie vibe to this one, exacerbated by the overbearing music employed to heighten tension. We recognize the themes here with Ms. Banks' character frantically grasping for fame, protecting her reputation, and fearing her dreams may be shattered - all while believing a rival is sabotaging her. Of course, we know early on what's happening, and it's frustrating when a smart businesswoman is so oblivious. There is enough to watch here, but it certainly needed more to be the thriller it wants to be.

Opening in theaters August 16, 2024.

This isn't the most complicated or intellectual thriller out there but it was surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable. I had seen a few negative soundbites out there, but there wasn't much in general given I saw one of the first screenings and I was trying to avoid reading much before watching. The soundtrack was great, some scenes had great camera play, and the way the story revolved around a small handful of characters was great -- the writing was good enough but the acting/characters was well done. Some things were very predictable but there were smaller twists and turns that made it fun. The only major irritation, common in some thrillers, was the outrageous stupidity/recklessness of the main chsracter, with some particularly dumb actions/writing. Not a must see by any means but fun and interesting enough to add to your list.