Skincare ★★½

IN THE shadow of The Substance, one of 2024’s best films, the American thriller Skincare has been billed as something similar.

It’s not. Skincare will not make your skin crawl in the beautifully horrific way that Coralie Fargeat’s film does.

But what Skincare does share with The Substance is a good performance from a veteran actress who hasn’t always chosen or been offered the best roles.

Elizabeth Banks, who is more known as a director these days, plays successful Los Angeles skin care specialist Hope Goldman who is about to take the next big career step by launching her own product brand.

She has an important promotional television opportunity coming up on the popular Brett & Kylie Show and lots of faithful customers and friends urging her on.

But things change quickly when another skin care business opens across from her boutique. Not only does new rival Angel Vergara, played by Luis Gerardo Méndez, reject Hope’s attempts at welcoming him to the neighbourhood, he also uses her reserved car parking space.

Then Hope’s phone is hacked and explicit, personal messages are sent to her entire address base, causing a variety of responses from concern to scorn. A further blow comes when Hope’s TV spot is taken by Angel.

Hope turns to another odd man who has recently entered her orbit, self-styled life coach Jodan Weaver (Lewis Pullman) who agrees to help her find out who is behind the attempts to run her life.

Of course, events get out of control and Hope is caught in the spiral.

The script is loosely inspired by a real-life case and will keep you mostly entertained. Just don’t expect The Substance.

Watched on Apple TV.