"Elizabeth Banks Delves into Hollywood's Dark Side in 'Skincare': A True Crime-Inspired Noir"

Elizabeth Banks, known for her versatility across genres, takes on a compelling role in IFC Films’ “Skincare,” a noir thriller inspired by true events. The film, which hits theaters this Friday, explores the cutthroat world of Hollywood beauty treatments and the lengths some will go to maintain their status.

Banks portrays Hope Goldman, a celebrity aesthetician on the brink of a career breakthrough. When a rival, Angel Vergara (Luis Gerardo Méndez), opens shop next door and mysterious harassment begins, Hope’s world spirals into chaos. The story loosely draws from the real-life case of Dawn DaLuise, a facialist embroiled in a scandal involving false accusations and a murder-for-hire plot.

Director Austin Peters, making his feature debut, praises Banks’ commitment to the role. “She really brought it,” Peters says, emphasizing how Banks’ performance was crucial to the film’s success.

Banks relates deeply to her character’s struggle to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. “I already feel like I don’t know what the next big thing is gonna be,” she admits, drawing parallels between Hope’s situation and the challenges faced by middle-aged professionals in Hollywood.

The film also boasts connections to other true crime adaptations, notably “The Bling Ring,” through a character inspired by Nicholas Prugo, brilliantly portrayed by Lewis Pullman.

Banks, who recently directed “Cocaine Bear,” expresses her preference for projects grounded in reality. “As an artist, I’ve really always looked for the true-life basis of something,” she explains, finding that real events often surpass fiction in their strangeness and compelling nature.

“Skincare” assembles a talented cast, including MJ Rodriguez, Nathan Fillion, and Wendie Malick, with Banks praising the chemistry and trust among the ensemble.

As both an actor and director, Banks carefully selects her projects. For acting roles, she seeks characters she can connect with personally. Directing, however, requires a deeper commitment, often spanning years and affecting her entire family.

With “Skincare,” Banks delivers a performance that promises to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the darker side of Hollywood’s beauty obsession while exploring themes of relevance, aging, and the lengths people will go to protect what they’ve built.