Skincare (2024)
69KSkincare (2024). 1h 36m | R
“Greetings again from the darkness. Billed as u0026quot;a fictional story inspired by true eventsu0026quot;, 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe very talented Elizabeth Banks stars as Hope Goldman. Itu0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eA 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 Hopeu0026#39;s shop. One of her clients introduces her to Jordan (Lewis Pullman), a Life Coach who has just moved to town. Hopeu0026#39;s assistant, Marine (Michaela Jae Rodriguez), acts as her assistant and u0026#39;publicity manageru0026#39;, 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 Hopeu0026#39;s reputation.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe supporting cast includes John Billingsley, Wendie Malick, Ella Balinska, and Jesse Salor, and we canu0026#39;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 1980u0026#39;s cable movie vibe to this one, exacerbated by the overbearing music employed to heighten tension. We recognize the themes here with Ms. Banksu0026#39; 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 whatu0026#39;s happening, and itu0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOpening in theaters August 16, 2024.”
