IFC Films’ SKINCARE Now In Theaters Nationwide

Review by Joy Parris: In today’s world, all businesses face fierce competition, but the beauty industry might just be one of the most cutthroat. Enter the latest film hitting theaters, Skincare, starring Elizabeth Banks. In this thriller, Elizabeth plays Hope Goldman, a celebrity facialist on the brink of launching her skincare line—a product she believes will be her breakthrough in the competitive beauty industry.

With a loyal clientele and a dedicated assistant, Marine (played by Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), by her side, Hope feels confident that this is her moment. During a talk show interview, she shares her secrets to success, striking a chord with countless self-employed business owners at similar points in their careers, and those obsessed with looking young.

However, things take a dark turn when a new skincare shop opens right across the street, enraging Hope. She confronts her landlord, demanding to know why he allowed this. While he understands her frustration and has been patient with her late rent payments, he reminds her that it’s just business. Despite her clients’ excitement about her new venture, Hope can’t shake her frustration. A longtime client introduces her to Jordan (played by Lewis Pullman), who is impressed by her business acumen and congratulates her on the launch.

SKINCARE-TV Interview
Photo/IFC Films

Angel (played by Luis Gerardo Méndez)
Photo/IFC Films

Elizabeth Banks and Lewis Pullman
Photo IFC Films

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Elizabeth Banks
Photo IFC Films

But Hope’s anger only grows, leading her to confront the new shop owner, Angel (played by Luis Gerardo Méndez). Their tense exchange leaves Hope even more unsettled as Angel dismisses her concerns. Coincidentally, the next day, Hope’s social media accounts are flooded with inappropriate sexual posts—she’s been hacked. Panicked, confused, and angry, she immediately suspects her new competitor is behind the attack, determined to sabotage her just as she’s about to launch her product. As the posts become more malicious and make headlines, her scheduled TV interview gets pulled, and clients begin canceling appointments. With her world crumbling, Hope enlists Nathan (Lewis Pullman) to help uncover who is behind the attacks. Together, they embark on a journey to expose the person trying to destroy her business and life’s work.

Elizabeth Banks delivers a gripping performance, portraying the intense paranoia of a woman desperately trying to keep her dream alive as her world falls apart. Her character is pushed to the brink, her moral compass twisted by her desperation for success and societal approval in a culture that often values appearances above all else.

Directed by Austin Peters, Skincare masterfully balances tension with elegance, crafting a narrative that is both sleek and psychologically intense. The tension is palpable as Hope’s anxiety and desperation grow, leading the audience to feel the same creeping paranoia that something bad is just around the corner.

Director Austin Peters sets a tone that mirrors the duality of the beauty industry itself—where outward perfection often conceals inner turmoil. The result is a thriller that is as sophisticated as it is chilling, offering commentary on the lengths people will go to protect their dreams in a world obsessed with appearances.

But no spoilers here—just be prepared for a wild ride, and remember, beauty is only skin deep.

Directed by Austin Peters. Starring Elizabeth Banks, Lewis Pullman, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez, and Nathan Fillion.

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