
Though it didn’t do well in theaters, the sci-fi thriller Under the Skin is now considered a truly original and captivating film, and you can watch it on Tubi. Scarlett Johansson is famous for her roles in big-budget franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe (where she played Black Widow), but she also consistently chooses challenging and memorable parts. This has put her back in the spotlight in 2026.
Currently a popular film on Netflix in the U.S., Lucy features Scarlett Johansson as a woman who develops extraordinary mental powers after taking an experimental drug. While the action-packed sci-fi movie was a big success in theaters and is considered a standout performance for Johansson, it’s not the only film from the 2010s starring her that’s recently been getting attention. Her 2013 movie, Under the Skin, is also being recognized as one of her most original and inventive roles.
Under the Skin Is An Alien Invasion Movie Like No Other
Jonathan Glazer directed Under the Skin, which he and Walter Campbell adapted from Michel Faber’s 2000 novel. The film first premiered in late 2013 and was released in the United Kingdom in March 2014, and is now returning to attention as of April 1, 2026, showcasing Scarlett Johansson in a particularly nuanced and compelling performance. Under the Skin is a unique take on the alien invasion genre, a project Glazer and Campbell developed over more than ten years.
In the film Under the Skin, Scarlett Johansson plays an alien disguised as a woman who targets solitary men in Scotland. This is one of Johansson’s most unusual and memorable performances. The alien lures her victims into a strange, empty space—a concept that later influenced the design for the film Annihilation—but through her actions, she’s ultimately forced to consider what it means to be human.
Most alien invasion films don’t deeply explore what it means to be human, or questions of right and wrong, but Under the Skin does so brilliantly. Beyond Scarlett Johansson’s outstanding acting, the film’s unique direction and minimalist style make it a standout and often overlooked gem in her career. It’s a truly compelling thriller, and essential viewing for anyone who appreciates her work.
Under the Skin’s Filming Techniques Make It Unique
To create a realistic and gritty feel for Under the Skin, director Jonathan Glazer chose to film entirely on location in Scotland, avoiding studio sets. Scarlett Johansson’s character interacted with many non-actors, including a road racer, a local property owner, and a TV personality, Adam Pearson. This approach resulted in authentic performances and made the most of the real-world environments.
The movie included a lot of realistic moments filmed without the participants knowing. Hidden cameras captured scenes at places like a nightclub and shopping center, and even when the main female character picked up men in her van. The filmmakers built special cameras – eight of them hidden inside the van – to record the genuine reactions of everyone involved. After filming, the men were informed about the hidden cameras and agreed to let their footage be used in the final movie.
For her role in Under the Skin, Johansson learned to drive a van and perfected an English accent, helping her completely embody the character. Director Glazer noted that surprisingly few people recognized Johansson during filming, even though she approached many everyday people in Scotland – perhaps they simply didn’t believe it was her. After her work in other films, it’s impressive to see Johansson take on a role that felt so raw and authentic, almost like a real-life performance.
It’s Great That Under the Skin Is Getting the Recognition It Always Deserved
While Scarlett Johansson has starred in many films, Under the Skin stands out as her most original and captivating work. Director Jonathan Glazer’s innovative filming style has influenced science fiction thrillers in recent years. The film’s impact is further heightened by Johansson performing alongside non-actors and newcomers, making it a particularly powerful and emotionally resonant experience.
Under the Skin deeply examines what it means to be human, largely because Scarlett Johansson interacted with unsuspecting people during filming. Director Jonathan Glazer’s unique approach powerfully highlights the loneliness of Johansson’s character, and it’s something few films have managed to achieve since. The movie’s mysterious story and filmmaking techniques make it incredibly rewarding to watch multiple times.
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2026-04-07 23:08