“Under the Skin,” directed by Jonathan Glazer and based on Michel Faber’s novel, is a science fiction film that follows an enigmatic alien, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, who roams the streets of Scotland in a human guise. The alien drives a van, luring lonely and unsuspecting men into her trap. These men are seduced and led to a mysterious, otherworldly place where they are submerged in a viscous liquid, ultimately meeting their demise.

The film delves deeply into themes of identity, humanity, and alienation. As the alien interacts with her victims, she begins to experience and reflect on human emotions and sensations. Her encounters gradually lead her to question her mission and her own nature. This internal conflict becomes more pronounced after she spares a disfigured man, an act that signifies a shift in her understanding of compassion and empathy.

As the alien becomes increasingly aware of her surroundings and her actions, she attempts to integrate more into human society. However, her efforts are met with confusion and hostility. The film’s climax occurs when the alien is assaulted by a man, revealing her true form beneath the human skin. This revelation leads to her ultimate demise, highlighting the fragility and vulnerability she has developed throughout her journey.

“Under the Skin” is a haunting and visually striking film that employs minimal dialogue and a mesmerizing score to create an eerie and contemplative atmosphere. It explores profound existential questions and the nature of what it means to be human, all through the perspective of an otherworldly being trying to understand the complexities of human life.