Scarlett Johansson’s most unsettling sci-fi movie is finally free to stream ‣ Diverse Daily

Ever since the dawn of cinema, movies have been a dime a dozen. They come and go with each passing week, rapidly and in large quantities. Some movies have the distinct honor of standing out from the crowd and being so revered that they become cultural touchstones or icons, like Star Wars and The Godfather. Others are all but forgotten, destined to be smothered by more entertaining or thematically compelling cinematic adventures. But then there are strikingly notable films that simply haunt you each time you reflect on them. They aren’t forgotten, but they may also not necessarily be the go-to for casual friend-to-friend movie banter. Under the Skin is one such film.

Despite what you may know about good-quality cinema, an effective movie doesn’t always need layered exposition, elaborate world-building, or even typical good versus evil or right versus wrong clichés to be effective. In fact, I’d argue that the movies that dabble in the grey and lead viewers into the ambiguous unknown are more resonant. In 2013, Scarlett Johansson starred in this sci-fi horror blend that left an indelible mark on her filmography. It’s a film that is as memorable as it is unnerving, and any fan of the genre should watch it at least once.

Scarlett Johansson is an alien predator in this strange thriller

An otherworldly visitor with a disturbing objective

As an alien visitor, Johansson’s unnamed protagonist does more than simply explore the flora and fauna of our well-trodden planet. She has a goal in mind, and it is to prey on others, in particular, unsuspecting men who fall for the human pull of attraction. This isn’t like the Yautja of “Predator” fame, who decimates their victims with high-tech weaponry and collects a gory trophy. This alien is far more subtle and sinister with her entrapment techniques. But quickly, Johansson’s character starts to learn a thing or two about humankind, and a shift within her begins to take shape.

The film is moody, atmospheric, and strikingly beautiful with each intentionally spellbinding shot. The movie might seem familiar on the surface. An alien that lives among humans isn’t a new topic by any stretch. But the contemplative and ominous approach Under the Skin takes to the subject is something wildly different than anything before it. Here, there are no big action sequences, military responses, or epic alien conflict. It’s an isolated story that is forcibly driven by Johansson’s mesmerizing performance as a detached, mysterious individual who is beginning a strange journey of discovery. The filmmakers can’t take all the credit, however. Under the Skin is based on the 2000 novel of the same name written by Michel Faber.

Under the Skin is free to stream

Now’s your chance to check out this wild sci-fi thriller

There’s no doubt that Under the Skin is a must-see. With director Jonathan Glazer’s visually striking approach to storytelling, relying on sights, sound, and atmosphere, this is one sci-fi film that fans won’t want to sleep on. Now is your chance to watch it entirely free on JustWatchTV. JustWatchTV’s free tier is ad-supported. So, there is no subscription required. Furthermore, an account is not even required. Just simply head over to the service and begin watching. But if you’d like to go ad-free, JustWatchTV has a premium subscription where you can obtain a free 7-day trial. Afterward, a subscription to the JustWatchTV Plus service is $3.99/month.

If you’re a sci-fi fan looking for something fresh or different, consider Under the Skin. It’s a unique approach to the “alien among us” trope that will enthrall you with its intriguing plot and eventual twists. It’s not a blockbuster by any stretch. And there certainly is an art house quality to the experience. But it’s an easy recommendation that is worth your time.