Chilling film inspired by real-life celebrity beautician deserves streaming success

A film inspired by an astonishing true story about a businesswoman who would eventually earn the moniker 'killer facialist' should be poised to become a streaming sensation.

Skincare will be available on digital platforms in the UK from November 11, making it accessible across various storefronts, yet it has not secured a permanent or even temporary streaming platform. This seems like a significant oversight.

However, this shouldn't deter the real film buffs from viewing the film at the earliest opportunity, especially if they have already devoured every available true crime documentary, serial dramatisation and other current offerings.

The opening title card for Skincare informs viewers that the film is a fictional narrative inspired by real events, but it's more than just that.

It tells the tale of Hope Goldman, a celebrity facialist portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, whose life spirals into turmoil when she believes someone is trying to ruin her life.

The small business owner, on the verge of launching her own skincare brand, is upset when a competitor opens a shop across the street.

A series of dramatic events ensue, threatening to make her another casualty of Los Angeles' dark underbelly.

The film draws heavily from the real-life story of Dawn DaLuise, a beautician who once had Nicki Minaj as one of her A-list clients.

While Skincare may alter the names of its real-life counterparts, it leans significantly on the 'true' experiences of DaLuise to shape the character of Hope and the events that unfold in her life.

Detailing everything that transpired in her life, which eventually led to her rebranding her career under the name 'Killer Facials', would not only spoil the film's plot but also detract from what makes it most effective.

The film manages to balance fictional plot points while keeping a safe distance from the actual story.

With Lewis Pullman and Nathan Fillion also starring, the film is as solid in terms of performances as you'd expect with such names alongside Banks.

Director Austin Peters boasts an extensive portfolio of music videos for artists ranging from Bastille and Haim to Charli XCX and Diplo.

This musical expertise is evident throughout the film, with every dramatic twist underscored by a powerful beat that resonates in your chest and serves as a constant reminder of the characters' unreliability and Hope's pervasive paranoia.

The film's final moments are where the filmmakers' creativity diverges from its inspiration.

Regardless of whether you're adapting real-life events into a series or a film, it's challenging to include everything, especially when confined to a modest ninety-minute runtime.

However, Skincare takes a deliberate step away from its muse, and it's clear that there's a missing chapter. This would make sense if a sequel or a second season were in the pipeline.

While the final image of Banks is poignant and offers an intriguing reflection on her character, it's knowingly not grounded in reality.

The real DaLuise reportedly has her own documentary in the works and attended an early screening of the film based on the most bizarre events of her life. It could be a race to see which makes it to streaming first.

With Monsters and Woman of the Hour dominating the top spots on streaming charts, it's somewhat surprising that Skincare isn't up there with them. However, you can still stay ahead of the trend before it inevitably catches on.

Skincare is available on digital platforms on November 11.