More details are given to this side of the operation too, including a gruesome processing scene where one hitchhiker she picks up has his tongue cut out, is castrated and is then fattened up. The Under The Skin novel sees Isserly come to appreciate the natural beauty of the world, and grow resentful of her role for the Elites back on her planet. In the novel, she forms a relationship with Amlis Vess, the son of her employer, who visits Earth to inspect the meat operation. To perform her role she underwent painful surgery to alter her original form, which causes her constant discomfort. The Female in the book is dubbed Isserley, who is an alien sent to Earth to acquire human meat for her homeworld, where it's a delicacy.

The Under The Skin novel is written in sparse prose but features far more explanation than the movie ever provides. Under The Skin was based on a 2000 novel by author Michel Faber that's set in Scotland, but while the book and movie sound similar on the surface, there are many differences. Johansson received praise for her performance, as did director Jonathan Glaser for crafting such a haunting but poetic film. The movie reinforces the alien nature of its protagonist and how she experiences the world around her.

Under The Skin is tonally the complete opposite, however. Species is a fun, pulpy b-movie with a surprisingly classy supporting cast, including Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker and Ben Kingsley, but spawned a range of sleazy sequels.

Under the skin isserley