Under the Skin (2013) Ending Explained
TL;DR
Under the Skin (2013), directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Scarlett Johansson, concludes with the alien protagonist, who has been luring men to their deaths in Scotland, experiencing a crisis of identity and empathy. After failing to seduce a disfigured man and later being attacked by a logger, she flees into the woods where her human skin begins to deteriorate. A passerby attempts to help but ultimately sets her on fire when he realizes she's not human. The film ends with her burning body ascending into the sky, leaving her fate ambiguous and reinforcing themes of alienation, exploitation, and the fragility of identity.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final act of Under the Skin marks a profound shift in the alien protagonist's journey. After spending most of the movie preying on unsuspecting men-luring them into a void-like black liquid where they are harvested-she encounters a man with neurofibromatosis (a disfiguring condition). Unlike her previous victims, she cannot bring herself to kill him, instead releasing him and fleeing. This moment signifies her growing awareness of human suffering and her own detachment from her predatory mission. Her inability to complete her task suggests a breakdown in her programmed behavior, hinting at an emergent humanity or moral conflict.
Following this, she seeks refuge in a remote forest, where she attempts to eat cake-a human act she has observed but never performed-only to vomit it up. This scene underscores her fundamental otherness; she cannot assimilate fully into human experience. When a logger discovers her and attempts to rape her, he tears her skin, revealing her true alien form beneath. Horrified, he douses her in gasoline and sets her ablaze. As she burns, her body floats upward, either disintegrating or returning to her origins. The imagery is stark and surreal, reinforcing the film's themes of exploitation, vulnerability, and the consequences of crossing existential boundaries.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- What was the alien's true purpose?
- She may have been harvesting humans for resources or as part of an invasive species' lifecycle.
- Alternatively, she could have been an experiment or scout for a larger extraterrestrial agenda.
- Why did she spare the disfigured man?
- His vulnerability might have triggered empathy, making her question her role.
- His appearance could have disrupted her perception of humans as uniform prey.
- What does her burning ascension symbolize?
- A failed attempt at assimilation, returning to her origins.
- A metaphor for the destructive nature of otherness in human society.
Themes Reinforced by the Ending
The ending crystallizes the film's meditation on alienation and the fluidity of identity. The protagonist's journey mirrors the human experience of trying-and failing-to belong. Her destruction is both tragic and inevitable; she is punished not just for her predation but for daring to deviate from her assigned role. The film suggests that true understanding between species (or even individuals) may be impossible, as difference inevitably leads to violence. The stark, almost wordless finale leaves viewers with a sense of unease, forcing them to grapple with their own complicity in systems of exploitation and othering.
Personal Opinion
Under the Skin is a masterpiece of atmospheric horror and existential dread. The ending is hauntingly ambiguous, refusing to provide easy answers. Johansson's performance is chilling in its detachment, making the moments of vulnerability all the more powerful. While some may find the conclusion abrupt or unsatisfying, I believe its ambiguity is its strength. The film lingers in the mind precisely because it doesn't tie everything up neatly. It's a bold, unsettling meditation on what it means to be human-or to fail at being human. The final image of her burning body is both beautiful and horrifying, a perfect encapsulation of the film's tone.
Final Thoughts
Few films are as visually striking or thematically dense as Under the Skin. The ending doesn't offer resolution but instead deepens the mystery, leaving the audience to interpret the alien's fate. Whether she is destroyed or returning home, her story serves as a dark reflection of humanity's capacity for cruelty and curiosity. The film's power lies in its refusal to explain itself, making it a polarizing but unforgettable experience. For those willing to engage with its challenging narrative, it's a profoundly moving work of art.