The Skin-Crawling Horror Film Scarlett Johansson Can’t Stop Thinking About

Scarlett Johansson, celebrated for her dynamic range across genres, has revealed a particular admiration for the eerie and unsettling horror-sci-fi film Under the Skin (2013). In a 2014 interview, Johansson shared that watching the film evoked a complex reaction similar to her experience with Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut—a movie she initially disliked but grew to obsess over after multiple viewings.

Under the Skin, directed by Jonathan Glazer, stars Johansson as an alien disguised as a human woman prowling the Scottish Highlands. She lures unsuspecting men into her van, setting the stage for a chilling exploration of identity, humanity, and alienation. The film’s minimalist storytelling, haunting atmosphere, and Johansson’s hauntingly compelling performance have earned it critical acclaim. Adding to the film’s unsettling mood is the ethereal score by composer Mica Levi, whose music perfectly complements the otherworldly tone.

While Johansson hasn’t explicitly named Under the Skin as her favorite horror movie, her comparison to Eyes Wide Shut—a film renowned for its psychological intensity and mysterious aura—suggests a profound respect for Under the Skin’s ability to unsettle and provoke deep thought.

Beyond horror, Johansson’s varied filmography includes notable works like:

• Her (2013), where she voices an AI operating system in a poignant sci-fi romance.
• Lucy (2014), a high-octane sci-fi action film featuring Johansson as a woman who gains superhuman abilities.
• Marriage Story (2019), a critically acclaimed drama highlighting her powerful acting skills.

Scarlett Johansson’s appreciation for Under the Skin highlights her attraction to films that challenge and haunt viewers long after the credits roll—an artistic sensibility that continues to shape her diverse and compelling career.