Skincare

Greetings again from the darkness. Billed as "a fictional story inspired by true events", the film pretty obviously draws from the 2014 case where aesthetician Dawn DaLouise was accused of plotting the murder of rival Gabriel Suarez. This is the first feature film from music video director Austin Peters, who co-wrote the script with Sam Freilich and Deering Regan (all first-time screenwriters). Although there is some entertainment value here, the inexperience of the filmmakers shines through, leaving us wishing for a bit more heft.

The very talented Elizabeth Banks stars as Hope Goldman. It's 2013 Los Angeles, and after a year of treating the stars to facials, Hope is on the verge of rolling out her own line of facial products. Her financial backer has recently deserted her, causing stress ... but nothing like the stress Hope is about to experience.

A lot happens very fast. Hope tapes a segment for a local TV talk show hosted by Nathan Fillion. Angel (Luis Gerardo Mendez) opens an anti-aging salon directly across from Hope's shop. One of her clients introduces her to Jordan (Lewis Pullman), a Life Coach who has just moved to town. Hope's assistant, Marine (Michaela Jae Rodriguez), acts as her assistant and 'publicity manager', and reacts as strongly as Hope when a vicious online hack attack goes beyond the business and into the realm of personal, jeopardizing the business and Hope's reputation.

The supporting cast includes John Billingsley, Wendie Malick, Ella Balinska, and Jesse Salor, and we can't help but notice the too-frequent segments featuring over-the-top acting ... perhaps in an effort to spice up the messy story. There is a definite 1980's cable movie vibe to this one, exacerbated by the overbearing music employed to heighten tension. We recognize the themes here with Ms. Banks' character frantically grasping for fame, protecting her reputation, and fearing her dreams may be shattered - all while believing a rival is sabotaging her. Of course, we know early on what's happening, and it's frustrating when a smart businesswoman is so oblivious. There is enough to watch here, but it certainly needed more to be the thriller it wants to be.

Opening in theaters August 16, 2024.

Billed as a thriller, I was expecting a stalker type film reminiscent of something from the 80s. But the tone is really that of a dark comedy with some mystery added in.

Elizabeth Banks plays a business woman in the cosmetic industry on the verge of breakthrough success. After a competitor moves in down the street, Banks' character becomes the victim of ongoing and escalating harassment with the seeming goal of destroying her business. Refusing to be a victim, she decides to fight back.

A lot of potential in the premise and it did keep my interest throughout. Unfortunately, the reveal is anticlimactic and the film lacks a satisfying conclusion.

As I was leaving, I heard a man tell his girlfriend that he thought this felt like a made for Netflix film. Agreed.

Standard thriller that tries to blend true crime and high fashion but stumbles in execution. The film's under-saturated visuals give it a drab look that feels out of place in the gaudy LA setting, while the bad ADR and mediocre acting make it hard to fully engage. The main character's self sabotaging decision becomes frustrating right off the bar, and the plot lacks much progression, leaving her largely unchanged by the end. Elizabeth Banks turns up the paranoia and maintains a hysterical persona for most of the film-though the performance quickly gets old. The music is a high point, with its stress-inducing synths that build tension, but even that can't save the predictable and rushed ending. It's an okay film, but there's no need to rush out to see it. If you're into true crime dramas, skincare, or LA fashion, it might be worth a watch when it hits streaming.

We went into this movie knowing absolutely nothing, and I recommend that! It's got funny parts, heartfelt parts, and scary parts. There's some violence but not a ton. It's mostly a suspense type of flick where you're wondering what the heck is about to happen- and you think you know who is doing what but you may be wrong. It's just a nice what-the-heck-is-going-on type of dramatic thriller. Elizabeth Banks is amazing in it, and seeing this makes me see her in a new light. She is so good, and I'm embarrassed to say I hadn't noticed her chops before this. It also features Lewis Pullman, the son of my fave Bill Pullman, and Nathan Fillion, against whom the funnier lines of the movie are played.

This isn't the most complicated or intellectual thriller out there but it was surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable. I had seen a few negative soundbites out there, but there wasn't much in general given I saw one of the first screenings and I was trying to avoid reading much before watching. The soundtrack was great, some scenes had great camera play, and the way the story revolved around a small handful of characters was great -- the writing was good enough but the acting/characters was well done. Some things were very predictable but there were smaller twists and turns that made it fun. The only major irritation, common in some thrillers, was the outrageous stupidity/recklessness of the main chsracter, with some particularly dumb actions/writing. Not a must see by any means but fun and interesting enough to add to your list.