Who can truly determine the greatest movies ever made? Various publications, including the British Film Institute (BFI) from the UK, have made efforts to compile such a list.
Sight and Sound, the BFI’s magazine, conducts a poll every ten years since 1952 to identify the top films in cinematic history. The most recent ranking in 2022 involved more than 1,600 industry experts submitting their personal top 10 choices.
The outcome is a list of 250 films. Among these, we highlight the highest-ranked British film from the 21st century for your weekend entertainment: “Under the Skin.”
This sci-fi horror film stars Scarlett Johansson as an enticing alien wandering the streets of Scotland. Directed by English filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, the movie, released in 2013, was loosely adapted from Michel Faber’s novel of the same name.
The plot revolves around Johansson’s character, an alien disguised as a human, who preys on unsuspecting men. Several scenes in the film involved real interactions captured using hidden cameras.
Ranked 169th on the BFI list, “Under the Skin” is praised for its captivating portrayal of an alien predator in Scotland. The movie blends surreal visuals, immersive sound design, and guerrilla filmmaking techniques to create a unique viewing experience.
Receiving an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s ambiguous storytelling has divided opinions. While some find it elusive, others appreciate its engrossing imagery and Johansson’s mesmerizing performance.
Despite its lackluster box office performance, “Under the Skin” received BAFTA nominations and critical acclaim. The Guardian awarded it a perfect five-star rating, with the Chicago Sun-Times describing it as a true work of art.
Debates among film enthusiasts continue regarding whether “Under the Skin” should be hailed as a masterpiece. Even years after its release, viewers on platforms like Reddit still ponder over the film’s impact and quality.
For those interested, “Under the Skin” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime at no extra cost.