‘Skincare’ Highlights Relatable Existential Crisis

NEW YORK, Aug. 16 (UPI) — Elizabeth Banks, known for her roles in “Lego Movie,” “Pitch Perfect,” and “The Hunger Games,” chose to star in the satirical thriller “Skincare” due to its insightful take on modern-day anxieties.

Banks shared her thoughts on the film during a recent Zoom interview, emphasizing how the script resonates with contemporary issues faced by individuals, particularly in Hollywood. “One of the aspects of the script that really stood out to me were all of the details about the world of institutions in Los Angeles, very specifically in Hollywood. But, at the end of the day, I also felt like there was a giant sort of existential crisis inside the movie that was relatable to anybody,” the 50-year-old actress said.

“Skincare,” opening in theaters this Friday, is a thriller set in 2013 and loosely based on real events. It follows Hope, played by Banks, a Hollywood aesthetician tormented by the belief that her competitor, Angel (Luis Gerardo Méndez), is sabotaging her business and life.

The film features Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as Marine, Hope’s assistant, and Lewis Pullman as Jordan, a wellness guru. Directed by Austin Peters, this satirical thriller delves into the consequences of technological advancements and the shifting landscape of marketing. “There were a lot of inciting incidents here that happen with technology,” Banks added.

Hope’s journey showcases her struggle to adapt to an ever-evolving industry, with Banks noting, “At the beginning of this movie, this is a woman who thinks she should sell products out of her storefront and the whole world of marketing has moved online.” This transition to digital marketing becomes one of the central themes as Hope grapples with the idea of selling herself as a product, a notion foreign to her.

The film also delves into themes of identity theft and online defamation. Hope’s reputation takes a hit after an unflattering email is sent to her entire contact list. Banks reflected on the scenario, saying, “I just thought that was such an interesting idea to talk about — the relationship she has to being doxed, and the real paranoia that gets raised when somebody sort of steals her identity online.” She emphasized the relevance of these issues, describing them as “scary” and common, highlighting concerns about online identity theft and the spread of misinformation.

Banks portrays Hope as ambitious but flawed. “I love that she’s pretty narcissistic and very self-centered, but, at the same time, she built this thing by herself, probably to the detriment of her entire personal life,” Banks remarked. Hope’s dedication to her business comes at a personal cost, with no family or friends in the picture, making her business her entire world. This vulnerability adds depth to her character, making her relatable.

Hope’s descent into desperation showcases her unhinged side, which Banks found “delicious” to play. “It’s so delicious. It always results in [someone] making terrible decisions — not rational decisions, decisions that happen too fast and it also results in trusting the wrong people,” she explained.

Among those people are Marine and Jordan, whose true intentions are questionable. “For someone who’s trying to stay relevant with the youth, befriending the youth is always something that you try,” Banks noted. She highlighted the transactional nature of these relationships, with Marine and Jordan having their own agendas.

The film evolves into a cat-and-mouse chase where everyone believes they are in control. Banks tried to convey this dynamic, saying, “I tried to play it sort of both ways. This sense of ‘Who’s in control of those situations? Is Hope controlling them or they controlling her?” This uncertainty adds intrigue to the plot.

Despite the setbacks, Hope ultimately achieves her goal in an unexpected manner. “There’s a fine line between fame and infamy, and by the end, she’s going to be infamous, and that infamy is going to drive sales, and that’s what she wants more than anything, right?” Banks concluded. Hope’s determination to turn adversity into success makes her a character to root for.

Source: UPI