Skincare, the astute narrative feature debut from Austin Peters, intriguingly sets the scene with Hope Goldman, an established face of the cosmetics industry, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks. Hope, who has been tending to Hollywood's highest-profile faces for two decades, prepares to launch her personal cosmetics line produced in Italy. However, a new spa owned by Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez) has recently opened its doors across the street, sparking a rivalry that soon spirals out of control.
Skincare is an ingenious blend of fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from the feud between Dawn DaLuise and Gabriel Suarez, renowned facialists based in West Hollywood, about ten years ago. The plot unfolds in 2013, before the advent of social media platforms that would extend fame beyond the traditional fifteen minutes. The film beautifully paints the desperate atmosphere of that time through Hope's experiences.
As mysterious occurrences start to infiltrate Hope's life - a hacked mailing list, provocative messages sent to her clients, damaged car tires - she is resolute that Angel is behind these acts of sabotage. The film unfolds as Hope, aided by multi-talented life coach, Jordan (portrayed by Lewis Pullman), takes steps to reclaim her business and life.
Skincare intricately interweaves the characters' backstories in a well-paced rhythm, although the emphasis on advancing the plotline could have allowed more time for exploring the intricate world of aesthetics. More curiosity could have delved deeper into the lives of characters like Angel with his revolutionary anti-aging technology or Hope's underappreciated assistant, Marine (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez). It had the potential to delve deeper into the beauty industry's obsession with youth and the clash between veteran beauticians and the new breed. Nonetheless, Skincare offers a striking narrative about the beauty industry, rivalry and the lengths some will go to maintain fame and reputation.
