Satirical thrillers don’t come along every day. There’s a lot that goes in to making two genres work in concert with each other. So, when you see it happen, it’s pretty nice to see. While never going above and beyond, Skincare is an example of a film that does manage to do both, even if it’s never spectacularly executed. The movie takes you along for a fun little ride, which ends up at an obvious but still entertaining denouement.
Skincare is a flick that revels in detailing the ugly side of the beauty world. Characters are vain and weird, the scenarios are a bit highlighted, and you have a sense that anything can happen. What ultimately does happen is worthy of a smile, even if it doesn’t get quite as crazy and out there as it otherwise could have.
Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks) is an aesthetician hoping to take her career to the next level by launching her very own skincare line. Her glory days may have faded, but this move is going to put her on top. One day, a rival facialist in Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez) opens a new boutique directly across from her store, offering up the same services. This throws her for a loop, both personally and professionally, believing someone is trying to sabotage her.
Desperate to save her business as well as her personal reputation and business, she teams up with her life coach friend Jordan (Lewis Pullman) to figure it out. Who is destroying her life? Why are they doing it? Plus, what will she do once she figures it out. The results, while not especially surprising, are enjoyable to witness.
Elizabeth Banks is very good here, having a blast with the character. So too is Lewis Pullman, though his character is less enjoyable to be around. Banks is the highlight, since Pullman comes and goes from the narrative a bit. She’s able to dive in to the comedy of it all, while also being a more than compelling thriller protagonist. In addition to Luis Gerardo Méndez, who is fine, the supporting players here include Ella Balinska, Nathan Fillion, Wendie Malick, Erik Palladino, MJ Rodriguez, and more.
Co-writer/director Austin Peters doesn’t have a ton of style, but he recognizes that he has a strong central performance from Banks. The screenplay Peters penned with Sam Freilich and Deering Regan is making some mildly satirical points, while his direction mostly just keeps the plot moving. Skincare is not flashy, to be sure, but Banks and to a lesser extent Pullman, makes it work.
Skincare doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but it works far more than it doesn’t. Watching Banks let off the chain is a definite pleasure, while the rules of the genre are followed well. As long as you don’t have unrealistic expectations about what this is, you’re in for a good time. A few laughs, a few thrills, and you’re out the door. Nothing wrong with that!
SCORE: ★★★