In an era of social media influencers pushing their products onto their fans, “Skincare” is a satiric commentary on the beauty industry, attempting to critique what it means to become famous in a message about as plastic as the industry itself.
“Skincare,” directed by Austin Peters, is a thriller/mystery showcasing the brutal world of the skincare industry. Elizabeth Banks’ captivating performance is enthralling — yet, the film suffers from a dry, predictable plot. Its vain attempt at asking its viewers how far someone is willing to go for fame falls flat.
The film follows the life of Hope Goldman (Elizabeth Banks) as she tries to build her skincare empire and make it big in Hollywood. As her business grows, it starts receiving threats from next-door competitor, Shimmer by Angel (Luis Gerardo Méndez), while simultaneously facing a mysterious stalker trying to ruin her.
“Skincare” is a decent mystery film but quickly falls into the genre’s tropes. What makes this film interesting though is the slow-burn of watching Hope’s business slowly fall apart. The film does a phenomenal job of keeping its audience on the edge of their seat, putting them in Hope’s perspective as she destroys herself and everything around her.
The film attempts to draw similarities between the consumption of beauty products and Hope’s obsession with fame, but fails to move below surface level. Most would agree that the beauty industry promotes the idea that their products are needed for consumers to look like a better version of themselves. Yet, the film emphasizes that the unnecessary products Hope is trying to sell are used solely to fuel her elusive dream of fame.
By the end of the film, Hope gets what she wants — only it isn’t how she imagined. The ending is entirely predictable, and so entirely unsatisfying. What is intended as a deep comment on the realities of fame adds nothing new to the conversation.
Regardless, the film was slightly lifted above mediocrity thanks to Banks’ performance, as she perfectly portrayed a character spiraling further into madness due to her obsession. The balance between Hope’s narcissistic behavior of wanting to be at the top, and her flawed personality pushed the audience to feel uncomfortably empathetic with an insufferable lead. Nonetheless, it made her demise at the end feel even more enjoyable.
The film will make you laugh and cringe at how brutal the beauty industry can be, while itself offering a skin-deep critique of what it means to become famous. “Skincare” is an enjoyable time, but the film will leave you like your pores — empty.
