Under The Skin

Adapted from Michel Faber's 2000 novel, Under The Skin stars Scarlett Johansson as Laura, an alien life-form who for reasons unknown appears on the outskirts of Glasgow, Scotland, assuming the form of a human female. She gains possession of a nondescript van and commences a cycle of travel and seduction, preying on men who are alone, asking them for directions to random places, quizzing them about whether or not they are meeting people at their destination. If the men appear to be alone, she offers them a ride. Once in the van, Laura's seductive charm proves irresistible and the men go willingly into derelict buildings in great anticipation, not realising they will never emerge. This predatory pattern continues until Laura picks up a passenger that she does not lead to the same fate.

Directed by Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast, Birth) – who used non-actors to play the roles of the men Laura picks up, filming their responses to her offer with a concealed camera – brings this creepy, emotionless, enigmatic film to its full potential with Mica Levi's eerie soundtrack providing the perfect accompaniment to the film's unique visual language. Nightmarish scenarios are augmented by the contrasting sound design, which moves from overwhelming noise to complete silence. Under The Skin is disturbing, engrossing and thoroughly deserving of its art house accolades. 

In cinemas 29 May