Why did you like this film?

Overall execution in alienating the viewer, nihilism, isolation, not worried about rating, superstar mainstream actress disappears into a character, satisfying and jarring emotional message/question. Vastly underrated.

You have to understand that "long" scenes exist for meditative purposes...they are not constructed for narrative purpose. This film document is a dissolving emotion on your tongue, of faraway and blurred vision and cold shores. The dense weave of all of its themes combines and connects into a perfectly cohesive article, but isn't a warm and fuzzy experience sure.

I was drawn in by the mystery of Scarlett's character and what she was up to. I found the whole thing intriguing and disturbing from start to finish. It's also just a beautiful film to watch. Had never heard of Scarlett before this film, but I'm an older guy and have never had any interest in watching all those superhero comic-book action flicks she's been in.

Death tugs at my ear & says: Live; I am coming.

I agree with Hasek's comments. It reminded me of Kubrik (Clockwork Orange) or Gilliam (Brazil) on account of it's innovative style.
I do also agree that the ending is disappointing, though - probably my conditioning to Hollywood - but I don't know the book. Nevertheless, it is not inconsistent with the rest of the film.

The direction for me is first class: not cliche, patronizing or predictable, and Johanssen gives a very mature performance. She's a great character actress.
I'm not convinced Sci-fi is really the best genre to classify this piece of art. It stradles more camps than that, however, I sense that it aims to interpret its source accurately - or at least hold great respect for it.

At the thematic level, I am impressed that it is no respecter of taboos, but not in a tawdry, - even less - self-defeating way. Its subtle and masterful handling of the subject matter piques genuine interest and emotion without cheap sensationalism, stopping perfectly short of repelling the viewer.

The questions it asks couldn't be more relevant today, particularly for a Western audience;'Under the skin' may not break all box office records, but it is worth the effort to engage with the themes it presents. Not to do so would leave one the poorer. As a study in human nature it is certainly thought-provoking, particularly poignant is it's expose of our modern view of women. As social, environmental and economic comment it also succeeds.
Primarily for me, though, it confronts us with philosophical challenges to do with the nature of reality and the purpose or meaning in life. Does what we might call 'the other' or 'God' or 'a higher power' in the universe exist? Can we access it? Are we destined to a life of banality, or can things change? If so what would it take? Can human existence be transformed and rescued through self-discovery (alone), or does it take intervention from outside ourselves to bring about restoration, order, understanding, security? How, then, SHOULD we connect or relate with other people or the world around us?

Recommended watching for those of a discursive disposition. I wouldn't let my 7 yr old see it though.

I think I found out about this from a youtube video because of the nude scene with Scarlett to be honest, and the cinematography also drew me in. I thought it was quote good and out of the ordinary. I'm at the point where sequels, remakes, formulatic romcoms and super hero movies are just utterly annoying money grabs and a waste of time.

I found the music and visuals meditative in a Kubrick like way. I kinda already knew what the movie was about before I got it at the library, so I didn't go into it blind. I found it an interesting study of human psychology/behaviour and also a cool unique sci-fi perspective...that wasn't really a sci-fi flick. I enjoy long slow camera work with subtle moody music. Very reminiscent of some Kubrick films, though not quite on that level as a whole movie, but parts were.

I like slow burning build up movies. As opposed to many quick cut, BS preposterous action scenes. There was a good message(s) in the movie.

Very intriguing film. Loved the way it is shot. Really atmospheric.

I liked the interplay (real and otherwise) between SJ and her male admirers and especially the kindness shown by the guy in the small village who takes her home with him.

I thought the 'black room' sequences were very well done and quite chilling.

Loved the slow burn pace of the film and the fact it is still riveting.

Great performance from SJ. Such a brave young actress.

I think Kubrick would have admired this film.

It's certainly not for everyone and I'm sure the casual filmgoer would be bemused by this film.

Only downside is it wasn't long enough.

Was it a millionaire who said "Imagine no possessions"?

Hard to say. I am quite literal-minded most of the time, and very familiar with over-the-top pretentious extended pop videos, so I was surprised at how much I liked the film.

I think I recognised early on that it had its own logic; events in the film happened for their own reasons, and you either buy into that or you do not. The camerawork was beautiful and intriguing. There were a fair few surprises, some of them horrific - in particular, the abandoning of the crying baby, and the realisation that the men in the liquid were still there; I'd supposed those submerging scenes were metaphorical.

Also, it's refreshing to see a film that doesn't follow formula - it's nice to not know how things are going to pan out.

That's the clock done, now for the chairs.

I found the film very interesting from start to finish. I really wanted to know this story for some reason, even going into it knowing nothing. As things unfolded, I needed more.

Absolutely loved the scene where the nightclubber is brought back and gets submerged (an insane and interesting concept on its own). Looking up at her reminded me of a dream I once had where there was an ocean beneath an ocean. But I digress.
When this character saw what would eventually happen to him, THAT was an amazing scene! The first victim's body slowly losing itself, becoming smooth and featureless, then *pouf*! Bag 'o skin.
Fascinating!!

That and the ending were what I loved most about it. How sad it seemed to look back at herself once she removed her skin. And then, without any chance to process anything that's occurred, doused in gas and set aflame due to the fear of the unknown.

We've met before, haven't we?