Under the Skin

This film was shown last night on UK TV. Unfortunately I missed the first 20 minutes or so but the rest was so good I feel it is still worth commenting on. The film centres around the different reactions of two sisters to their mother's death - don't however get the impression that this is a film to be endured rather than enjoyed. Although the subject matter is serious and the film very emotionally moving, there are flashes of humour throughout and it is not boringly earnest for one moment. I read somewhere that the director is an admirer of Mike Leigh's "Naked". While it is no poor relation, if you appreciate the work of Mike Leigh you would probably also enjoy "Under the Skin".

Under the Skin is a deeply touching and disturbing movie, which has affected me more than any other. If you have ever been through great sorrow, see this movie! It shows very clearly that there is no "right" way to handle your grief.

"Under the Skin" could be simply, though inaccurately summarized as simply the story of two sisters dealing with the death of their mother, with one sister becoming sexually loose as a means of escapism.

But the story runs much deeper than that. Samantha Morton plays the British version of a sexually "used" American male. She frets about calling a lover, she is mistreated when she does. She makes bad decisions in choosing lovers, and loses in the end with most of them.

"Under the Skin" presents a realistic portrayal of how sexual escapism only does so much, how it only paints the faintest of illusions of comfort and companionship. It is only a silkscreen for the real problems of the need for emotional as well as sexual fulfillment as part of companionship.

What makes Morton's portrayal so powerful is its complexity of character. Following her mother's death, Morton's character goes through a series of transformations. First she is the doer, the chooser. It is she who walks out on her boyfriend, she who decides to also cheat on him, she who sleeps with whatever man she wants.

It is Iris, Morton's character who is in control, while her sister Rose is an emotional wreck. She is having a baby, she thinks her husband fancies Iris, she is concerned about her appearance, her weight, and she can't find mum's ashes.

All of this is especially sad because she is mum's favorite daughter.

But then everything changes when Iris is mistreated by several lovers, one of whom physically humiliates and abuses her.

She tries to go back to her boyfriend but finds he doesn't want her. She is left without any money and has no one to turn to except her poor sister.

It is during these series of transformations from power to humiliation that Morton shines. It is no wonder many have called this the film that made her a UK star. It is the film's frankness and realism that is attention-grabbing as well. A true window to the world of random hook-ups. Love isn't very easy to find after all.

Samantha Morton stars in this movie as Iris, the younger of two English sisters who worship their mother. When Mom dies early on in the film, Iris is completely knocked off her axis and reacts by shirking personal responsibility and having casual sexual encounters, the result of a suddenly overheated libido. She doesn't want to listen to any suggestion that her behavior is due in any way to her mother's death, either.

After spinning out of control for most of the movie, she apparently resolves her problem with her mom's passing and a conflict with her sister as well. But this film does a lot better job of depicting Iris' problems than it does explaining them, or explaining how things work out in the end. Consequently this viewer felt about as satisfied as one would after one of Iris' sexual encounters. Although this film was written and directed by a woman, produced by another woman and focuses on female characters, it doesn't explain the woman's point of view to my satisfaction. The film had a lot of potential but was ultimately disappointing.

Under the Skin is the story of Iris, a young woman who goes off the rail into drink and promiscuity following her mother's death. What follows is a very unpleasant viewing experience, as this character destroys every solid relationship she has around her as a result of her self destructive behaviour. The film is very well acted by all involved, and the director should be commended for maintaining a state of realism without being (to) graphic. One scene in particular did genuinely shock me. Overall, if you're in the mood for a depressing ride watching someone disintegrate into sex and alcoholism, well acted, scripted and directed then it will be worth a watch, but ultimately it may prove a bit too much.