The 2013 British documentary “Liverpool Beauty” offers a glimpse into the unique subculture of tanning and beauty in Liverpool, often referred to as the “Jersey Shore of England.” The film explores the city’s obsession with tanning and the extremes to which some will go to achieve the perfect glow. We meet a variety of characters who are heavily invested in the pursuit of beauty, including Carolyn, a woman so obsessed with tanning that she is willing to inject herself with unregulated chemicals to darken her skin, and the “King of Bling,” a flamboyant hairdresser who is a self-proclaimed celebrity in Liverpool’s beauty scene.
The documentary not only sheds light on the city’s beauty culture but also touches on the broader themes of self-image, self-worth, and the lengths to which people will go to fit in and feel accepted. It highlights the societal pressure placed on individuals to conform to a certain standard of beauty and the effects that pressure can have on their mental and physical health.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is also entertaining and humorous, largely due to the eccentric personalities featured throughout. The King of Bling, in particular, is a standout character with his outrageous fashion sense, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering confidence. His segments provide a much-needed dose of levity to balance out the more serious topics explored in the film.
Overall, “Liverpool Beauty” is a fascinating exploration of a subculture that is often overlooked and misunderstood. It provides insight into the extreme lengths people will go to achieve their ideal of beauty and the societal pressures that contribute to those standards. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining documentary that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
