Skinamarink (2023)
02/05
Existentialism plays a crucial role in the horror genre. From
demonic possessions to psychological terror, our analysis of the portrayed scenes can help define the nature of horror and its affect on us as individuals.
For Director Kyle Edward Ball, he took a shared experience of hearing voices late at night and corrupted the nostalgia of childlike wonder to create Skinamarink.
Unlike most horrors, Skinamarink’s storyline appears more abstract, allowing the audience to interpret the meaning behind the scenes.
The most accepted storyline is that a 4-year-old Kevin (Lucas Paul), whom injured himself from a sleepwalking episode, arrives home from the hospital and begins to experience unexplained phenomena.
He and his older sister hear random noises and start to see items go missing. Becoming afraid the duo decide to retreat downstairs and watch tv, hoping these events vanish like their parents.
Skinamarinks use of existentialism in its storyline can also be interpreted as nihilistic as all of the scenes shown have no objective meaning.
The cinematography in this film explores this thought with shots that are at jarring angles with low lighting.
Most scenes showcase the walls, corridors, or doorframes of the house, which at surface level means nothing, although could imply that the house and events are the protagonists rather than the characters.
Much like the storyline, these abstract choices result in an unsettling feeling that leaves the audience members to decide the meaning/meaninglessness of everything. Whereby they can choose to see the demonised toys as discomforting, or be bored with the lack of visual stimuli.
This experimental style of filmmaking can indeed be used heighten feelings of dread and can definitely draw in a cult following.
However for a cinematic experience, where audiences spend a hefty amount for IMAX, 3d etc. Skinamarink displays Balls inexperience as a director.
‘Show don’t tell’ is a golden rule which writers and directors adhere to, yet Skinamarinks abstract nature has no objective significance, requiring interpretation from its viewer. If the themes and symbolisms expressed is not appreciated, then the films lack of visual engagement can result in the disconnection from its audience and cause them to leave the film whilst its still playing.
Film is a unique form of media where sounds and visuals blend to create an unforgettable experience that can only ever be had at a theatre.
Skinamarink feels similar to Balls other YouTube projects, making one wonder if this film in particular needed a theatrical release if one can have the same experience watching it at home.
Skinamarinks use of existentialism through the abstract nature of taking one back to their childhood, then demonising everything they cherished is profound and thought provoking. Unfortunately because of its poor pacing and lack of visual stimuli, it can be hard to force an audience member to engage with its content.
Which is why it can be viewed as a 1-Star film for its lack of engagement and simultaneously be a 5-star film to those that chose to engage with it.
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