Under the Skin (2013)

Jonathan Glazer's surreal sci-fi horror demonstrates the climactic heights film can reach as a visual medium when the image rather than dialogue acts as the predominant storytelling device.


Directed by: Jonathan Glazer
Cinematography by: Daniel Landin


Under the Skin contains sparse dialogue and no exposition; it’s a remarkable example of a filmmaker showing - through montage, lyrical scenes, and surreal imagery - and not telling. The actors follow the same “show, don’t tell” premise. At no point does Scarlett Johansson’s character (a skin-stealing alien attempting to seduce random men and drain them of their life fluids) state her feelings. Johansson’s subtle yet incredible performance communicates her emotions and reactions almost entirely through body movement and facial expression. The film is a masterpiece of visual storytelling, and a feast for cinephiles.

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