A Beautiful Thrill: An Exclusive Conversation with ‘Skincare’ Star Elizabeth Banks [Video]

Elizabeth Banks, the chameleon of Hollywood, trades the director’s chair for a complex, captivating role in her latest film, Skincare.

Known for her comedic prowess and directorial vision, Elizabeth Banks has taken a dramatic turn, immersing herself in the cutthroat world of the skincare industry. Elizabeth Banks’ character, Hope Goldman, is an aesthetician on the precipice of a breakthrough. With the launch of her skincare line imminent, she’s poised to elevate her brand to new heights.

However, an adversary business opens directly across the street, igniting a cutthroat competition that quickly turns chilling. As strange occurrences begin to plague her life, Hope finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery, setting the stage for the unraveling of a high-stakes story. It’s a plot thicker than a face mask, with characters sporting complexions smoother than a freshly exfoliated face.

Elizabeth Banks’ versatility as an actress is undeniable. When asked about what drew her to the role of Hope Goldman, Banks revealed a deep connection to the character, particularly resonating with the character’s struggle as a woman aging in an industry that prizes youth and beauty. Drawn to characters on the edge, Hope’s desperation provided a rich tapestry for Bank’s exploration. 

“I love playing characters who are desperate because it always leads to bad decision-making, which leads to crisis, which creates drama. There is just so much fun to have there.”

During our conversation, Banks provided a deeper insight into Hope’s character, describing her as a woman who possesses an uncanny ability to transform adversity into advantage. “She turns everything bad that happens to her, and she twists it into something that’s exactly what she wants in the end,” Banks explained. This unwavering determination, coupled with her ambitious spirit, creates a compelling character arc that promises to intrigue audiences.

Life often proves stranger than fiction, and Skincare is a prime example. The film’s inspiration took an unexpected turn for Banks when she discovered a shocking revelation. While Skincare is a fictional story, it draws inspiration from the real-life case of facialist Dawn DaLuise, who was accused of a murder-for-hire plot against a rival aesthetician. This revelation, which came to light during filming, added an intriguing layer of complexity to the project for Banks. While Banks revealed that she hadn’t delved deep into the story’s background before committing to the project, she shared that the script’s compelling narrative captivated her immediately.

Drawing inspiration from the world of high society, Banks envisioned Hope as a blend of ambition and artifice. “I had so many references as to who Hope Goldman was to me,” she shared. Banks cited fashion icon Rachel Zoe as a style muse, imagining Hope’s wardrobe as an extension of her larger-than-life personality. In a playful nod to popular culture, Banks admitted, “The character I play was based on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”

Given Hope Goldman’s apparent obsession with skincare, it was only natural to inquire about Banks’ beauty regimen. Her face lit up as she shared her personal skincare journey. Despite cultivating a glamorous exterior for her character, Banks emphasized the importance of balance and self-care in her own life. “I’ve been using an irradiance clarifying cleanser since I was a teenager,” she revealed. “I still use it, and I still love it.” When pressed for her go-to skincare product, she reiterated her loyalty to the classic cleanser. True to Elizabeth Banks’ comedic spirit, she then launched into a playful discourse on wellness, momentarily channeling her character Hope Goldman.

With a pulse-pounding soundtrack and a suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, Skincare is more than just a thriller; it’s a captivating exploration of obsession, ambition, and the lengths one will go to achieve perfection.

Skincare will be released exclusively in Theaters on August 16th, 2024.