Skinamarink (2023)

Skinamarink is one of those debut films that shows audiences that a new filmmaker with an exciting new vision has entered the scene. First time feature writer/director Ball has delivered a disturbing and exhilarating experimental film that will grab the attention of audiences in a way reminiscent of films like Eraserhead but also in new ways not experienced before. 

It's hard to talk about Skinamarink without "spoiling" it (although that word used in the way it in is popularly thrown around doesn't quite fit with a story like this) but the part that feels "experimental" (another word that gets thrown around in different ways) is how the audiences is rarely ever looking at its subject. So much of Skinamarink is spent watching something adjacent to what we are hearing happening. The film plays with the concept of just how much scarier things that are not shown can be by making almost the entire film "not shown." There are brief moments where we actually "see" something (using quotes a lot here but I use this because the film stock used is so grainy we often only see the images partially) and even then our imaginations have to fill in the gaps, likely in ways worse than what could be filmed. 

Skinamarink is also one of those great films where it's "meaning" is legitimately up for discussion, the kind of story where one can walk away with very different reasons that are completely justified. I very much understood the chaos of childhood trauma as it is experienced but I believe other ways to feel the film's messaging could very well be legitimate. That's part of the what makes the film engaging, the ways it speaks to some dark and uncomfortable truths within us. But in the end the film can be enjoyed even without looking for understanding. 

I do think the film's experimental aspects will be challenging for some audiences. The film requires a certain amount of patience, no that's not right, an acceptance that we aren't going to be always watching something that lays out a narrative or development. Many audiences might not be up for such a treatment. But if you can Skinamarink will offer you something to ruminate on, that will haunt you, and it promises fascinating things from film maker Ball in the future. 

Skinamarink

Starring: Lucas Paul, Dali Rose Tetreault

Writer/Director: Kyle Edward Ball