Dir. Kyle Ball | Now Streaming On: Shudder | Rating: 4/5

Skinamarink took Tik Tok by storm the last two months as people labeled this yet another, “scariest film of the year.” I decided to do something very frowned upon in this community, which is get my hands on a copy of this while it was still in its festival run. I can say now, this film will probably be one of the most divisive releases of 2023, but was a homerun in my book. ⁠
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Skinamarink feels like a cross between a child’s cold medicine fueled fever dream and a snuff film. This directorial debut has been called “a cursed film,” and this is exactly what it feels like to watch this. There is something viscerally wrong with what is going on in this house, but we can’t quite put our finger on it. It reminds me of the buzzy internet lore of “the backrooms,” in that it has a bit of that mandela effect to it. The images in Skinamarink appeals to a core memory a lot of people have, of waking up on a couch in the middle of the night in the dark – in a space you remember, but maybe don’t feel the safest in. ⁠
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What is controversial about Skinamarink, is that for all intents and purposes, nothing really “happens.” Much of the horror elements are heavily implied and are dependent on our interpretations of the dialogue and sound effects. This film delivers scares by being unsettling, unnerving and relentless in its commitment to its narrative. I found myself pausing this and walking away at multiple points, just to shake the queasy feeling it was giving me. You won’t see any splatters or slashers in this film – which will definitely not be to some tastes. ⁠
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Skinamarink without a doubt is a bold and calculated directorial debut. It delivers an entirely unique and new take on the found footage genre that is refreshing, creative, and hard hitting. I can’t promise you’ll like this – but it’s worth watching. Catch this in theaters on a limited release this month, or wait till it launches on Shudder. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features flashing lights.