The film's use of cinematography and production design adds to its otherworldly atmosphere, creating a sense of unease and tension. The score, composed by Moby and Cliff Martinez, perfectly complements the film's mood and tone.
Under the Skin follows an alien entity disguised as a seductive human woman. Driving a white van through the bleak, rainy streets of Glasgow and the stark landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, she lures lonely men into her vehicle. She leads them to a surreal, pitch-black void where they are submerged in a liquid abyss, harvested for their flesh.
The film follows a nameless alien being (referred to in credits as "The Female") who takes on the form of an attractive human woman to lure men into her van in Glasgow, Scotland.
The bleak, rainy landscapes of Scotland mirror the profound loneliness of the characters. The alien targets men who will not be missed—individuals detached from social circles. Through her interactions, particularly with a man possessing severe facial disfigurements, the alien begins to recognize human vulnerability and kindness, sparking her existential awakening. 3. The Terror of the Score