Skinamarink
IFC Midnight | Release Date: January 13, 2023
5.1
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 56 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
24
Mixed:
11
Negative:
21
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2
einsteJan 16, 2023
Saw this film in theaters and it got booed. There are a couple of scenes that are very tense and some interesting ideas that just go no where. The pacing is abysmally slow. 95% of this movie is literally looking a indecipherable dark footageSaw this film in theaters and it got booed. There are a couple of scenes that are very tense and some interesting ideas that just go no where. The pacing is abysmally slow. 95% of this movie is literally looking a indecipherable dark footage of walls in a house. Do you think walls are scary? Then this movie will terrify you. I recommend going and watching some Back Rooms videos on YouTube. If you love those you MIGHT be the audience for this strange movie. Otherwise I can't recommend it.… Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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1
Yes850Feb 18, 2023
The only reason I didn't give this movie 0 was because technically it was filmed and 0 would entail there being no film. Which in my humble opinion would have been an upgrade. I'm sure you've read the positive reviews of paint huffers who getThe only reason I didn't give this movie 0 was because technically it was filmed and 0 would entail there being no film. Which in my humble opinion would have been an upgrade. I'm sure you've read the positive reviews of paint huffers who get off to people filming drywall who give this movie anything more than 3/10 stars. But I am here to say they're deluded if they think most other movies aren't at least 2 marks higher than this. This is a 'revolutionary experimental film' in the same way taking a dump on the wall is a new form of fine art. You can huff the farts as much as you want and lie about it being sophistacted, but we all know you're just trying to justify letting someone **** on your wall, or in this case, watching actual walls for 100 minutes. Which is all that happens. I haven't written a review in years, but I found my account just to warn people. I usually love analog horror and most things wendigoon suggests, which is I'm sure why many of you are here. But this is one of those rare ocassions where he is suggesting something I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Please save yourself the time, and watch monuments men, or like, any other analog horror such as the backrooms. OR just watch puss in boots, that's also 100 minutes and honestly after finding that out I really wish I did.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
HitchslapJan 22, 2023
1.Borrow a camera
2.Buy $500 worth of Legos
3. Shoot random images in your house for a week. 4.Set all film grain and dirty film effects to 100. 5. Forget to set vocal audio levels to anything discernable. (f**k it just throw in random1.Borrow a camera
2.Buy $500 worth of Legos
3. Shoot random images in your house for a week.
4.Set all film grain and dirty film effects to 100.
5. Forget to set vocal audio levels to anything discernable. (f**k it just throw in random subtitles)
6.Accidentally leak the content online.
7. Come up with some vague inspiration and use film buzz words like "experimental' and "analog" 8. Let Tik Tok and Twitter do your advertising. 9. Make 100x profit
10.. Is how many minutes this "experiment" should have been… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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3
jo-bunkerJan 13, 2023
A flat experience and an almost complete waste of time. The director seemed to enjoy crafting and processing his film, that much can be said… But man, what a bore it was for everybody else in the theater room…!
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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0
xylopyloJan 14, 2023
I seriously cannot understand how this movie doesn't have more bad reviews. I sat in the theater baffled at how I hadn't seen any warning about how frighteningly dull this movie really is.

If you enjoy staring at the tops of doorways, anI seriously cannot understand how this movie doesn't have more bad reviews. I sat in the theater baffled at how I hadn't seen any warning about how frighteningly dull this movie really is.

If you enjoy staring at the tops of doorways, an unmoving hallway wall, legos, and an old childeren's cartoon, then this is going to be the most thrilling 100 minutes of your life, now if that doesn't sound fun to you, then you're with me.

From what I can tell from others, it seems that people find this to be a "Horror genre changing movie" but instead of action in this new form of genre we're gearing toward awful visuals, literal minutes of nothing on screen and no audio other than a god awful static. The whole movie looks as if it were filmed on a literal brick which makes it nauseating to watch and have I already mentioned the static noise? Let me mention it again, it gets old really fast.

You may ask what about any of these things relates this frighteningly dull movie to anything in a horror genre. After maybe an hour you get your first "jumpscare" which is one of the kids screaming at a toy and blowing out the mic. Now, we don't really see either of the children or the parents through the movie as the whole thing is told by minimal dialogue as the camera focuses on one of the seven different walls or sets they have in the movie.

I was genuinely about to fall asleep several times from the dark and uninteresting visuals only disturbed by a one off phrase or something like the television playing which kept me from really falling asleep. Honestly this could have been released as an audio file played over a blank screen and one would have the same experience listening as I did watching it. There are parts where the movie will rewind the same scene, then play it forward again, then rewind, and so on which honestly feels sloppy and lazy. It feels like there was maybe 15 to 30 minutes worth of content and the rest is pure padding, and not the kind to make you suspenseful, but rather like a rollercoaster that doesn't climb or doesn't drop, simply going around a level circle.

If I weren't at a theater with family I would have walked out after maybe 7 minutes. I know for a fact if it was put on at home, we would have gotten 5 minutes in, realized you can't see anything, given it another 2 to get better and then turned it off.

I really tried to give this movie a chance, but in the end it was obvious why me and my two family members were the only ones in the theater. I expect more from a movie, even one with that low of a budget. If you think that staring at walls and doorframes in the dark is for you, at least save yourself the money from a ticket and just do it at home.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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6
JLuis_001Jan 13, 2023
A primal fear. The darkness. Pulsating, absorbing, patient, just waiting to devour you. It or what awaits you buried inside of it. Who has not been afraid of it? Especially in childhood, which is one of the points of this turbulent journey.A primal fear. The darkness. Pulsating, absorbing, patient, just waiting to devour you. It or what awaits you buried inside of it. Who has not been afraid of it? Especially in childhood, which is one of the points of this turbulent journey. Skinamarink was quite an interesting but not necessarily satisfying experience.
This is an experimental horror film. It's almost 100 minutes of images and sounds that are meant to look and feel like a nightmare that seems to have no end or escape, so I have to tell you right away that if you're into the conventional, don't even bother because you're going to be bored out of your mind, but if you want to delve into a different kind of creepy, this is the stuff right here. And yes it's too long, and yes, it can be called pretentious, but this is the kind of movie that separates audiences at the extremes. They either hate it or love it. Who will you be?… Expand
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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3
odysseus420Jan 15, 2023
The trailer looked interesting but I was bored through most of the movie, it's not particularly scary or interesting and the way it's filmed gets obnoxious very quickly.
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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1
DamionsanJan 14, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. saw his wall socket 13 times each shot spanned about 3 minutes. Good little trailer for the movie though… Expand
5 of 9 users found this helpful54
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0
GumdropFeb 8, 2023
I've seen it said that this is more of an experience than a movie. And that's true. If the experience you're looking for is boring and terible. If you're in the mood to ask yourself "What the actual fudge is this pretentious hogwash?". If youI've seen it said that this is more of an experience than a movie. And that's true. If the experience you're looking for is boring and terible. If you're in the mood to ask yourself "What the actual fudge is this pretentious hogwash?". If you enjoy wishing you'd walked out of a theatre half way through. This is the "experience" for you.

Or if you're pretentious then this is perfect for you. For instance. If you're the kind of person who describes it as a masterclass, masterpiece or anything similar, then you're either so pretentious that you really believe that, or you just want people to believe you're somehow more enlightened than the rest of us philistines. And if you found this to be "genuinely scary" then by god your fear bar is set really low. If you think this flaming dumpster fire deserves anything more than a zero then you should be banned from reviewing anything, ever.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
saxboychair2Jan 18, 2023
Fascinating movie with many interesting ideas and elements. Felt like being in a dream
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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6
bertobellamyMay 11, 2023
This should have stayed as a short film. It has some creepy images, but no way it will keep you hooked for 100 minutes. Yes, we always complain about horror films not trying new things; ‘Skinamarink’ does, but its radical and minimalistThis should have stayed as a short film. It has some creepy images, but no way it will keep you hooked for 100 minutes. Yes, we always complain about horror films not trying new things; ‘Skinamarink’ does, but its radical and minimalist approach proves somewhat boring. Nevertheless, the way the film makes you imagine or interpret things during some scenes is rarely seen in the genre, and for that alone, it deserves to be seen. Fewer floor and ceiling pointless shots would have suited it better.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
PanchogulJan 19, 2023
Si la gente en Tik Tok llama a esto una de las películas más aterradoras que existen es porque algo no anda bien tomando en cuenta que la gente de allí carece de criterio formado.

En cuanto a la película en sí, es muy pesada de ver, dura 100Si la gente en Tik Tok llama a esto una de las películas más aterradoras que existen es porque algo no anda bien tomando en cuenta que la gente de allí carece de criterio formado.

En cuanto a la película en sí, es muy pesada de ver, dura 100 minutos que se sienten eternos y a los 45 minutos ya estaba vencido por la impaciencia. La monotonía salta a la vista hasta en los momentos de escaso diálogo.

El terror radica en sentirte aislado en completa oscuridad en tu propia casa como si estuvieras teniendo una pesadilla de la que no puedes despertar y hay que estar muy atento para poder notarlo, por lo que no es una película para el espectador promedio.

Lo mejor logrado es el sonido, en especial las voces de los personajes que suenan de manera bien peculiar.

Lo peor para mi fue el efecto de grano en la imagen que se me hizo exagerado sumándole además los filtros vintage de instagram que parecen haber usado. También la relación de aspecto usada no me pareció la adecuada para una película como esta, una tipo 1:66:1 o 1:19:1.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
alejandro970May 17, 2023
From the horror genre, it must be understood that it is one of those that plays with the patience of the viewer. Here they resort to the trick of fear of the dark, this time with children. Depending on the viewer himself, it can be a pleasantFrom the horror genre, it must be understood that it is one of those that plays with the patience of the viewer. Here they resort to the trick of fear of the dark, this time with children. Depending on the viewer himself, it can be a pleasant surprise or a disappointment. I lean towards the first.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
OctaneNitroJul 15, 2023
After seeing the hype for Skinamarink, I truly wanted to enjoy it. A modern horror classic, combining elements of low-fi and analogue horror in an innovative way? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, my actual impressions were... mixed. On one hand, IAfter seeing the hype for Skinamarink, I truly wanted to enjoy it. A modern horror classic, combining elements of low-fi and analogue horror in an innovative way? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, my actual impressions were... mixed. On one hand, I can definitely see why so many people enjoy it. The film's use of silence and grainy, shadowy footage genuinely evokes the feeling of childhood fears and nightmares, and several scenes are unbearably tense knowing the horrors that could be lurking just beyond view. The visuals of a familiar, childhood home, gradually morphing into a hostile, pitch-black prison are extremely effective.

On the other hand, (and there is simply no way around this), the movie is empty and extremely long for what is actually there. Without any hyperbole, for every minute you'll spend watching actual horror or sitting with baited breath, you'll spend five staring at TVs, ceilings, and empty hallways, as the constant drone of static literally puts you to sleep. This is an experimental, indie project that simply did not need a 100 minute runtime - thirty minutes of content (or even enough to take the runtime under an hour) could be removed with essentially nothing of substance being lost.

Additionally, by the end of the film, the heavy use of static and VHS effects were actually hurting my eyes from the strain of following the events on screen - though I admit this is a personal gripe. The bigger issue from this is the film's simultaneous effective and ineffective use of darkness: so much is obscured, and difficult to visualise, that I wish something had actually been hidden there to reward our attention. In Skinamarink, a black wall of static is just that 99% of the time, which makes you wonder why these effects are so heavy and so constant to begin with.

Ultimately, whether you'll enjoy Skinamarink will likely come down to personal preference. If you're able to look past the flaws and enjoy the positives on offer, you'll come away equal parts terrified and refreshed. But if not, the effectiveness of those positives will almost certainly be diluted.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
MathiasBSFeb 25, 2023
Dont watch this if you have ADHD. It requires an absurd amount of attention, because it’s incredibly slow and minimalist.

If you struggle to stay focused this is not for you
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
InjuredDriverJul 12, 2023
Well, it's definitely safe to say that I've never seen another movie like Skinamarink. I didn't know much about the movie going into it other than a lot of people hated it and some people said they liked it. I saw the Blu-ray steelbook onWell, it's definitely safe to say that I've never seen another movie like Skinamarink. I didn't know much about the movie going into it other than a lot of people hated it and some people said they liked it. I saw the Blu-ray steelbook on sale at Walmart and decided to pick it up and give it a try. I'm glad I did because honestly this was an experience like I've never had watching a movie. It's very experimental in the way that it's shot and the way that the story is told. You really don't see any of the characters faces throughout the entire film, and much of the dialogue is so inaudible that it's given to you with subtitles. Much of the film is just focused on the negative spaces within the house. Whenever a character is in a camera shot you usually only see their legs or maybe the back of their head. The rest of the time the camera is looking at corners in a hallway, the top of door frames, a pitch black hallway, a stuffed animal hiding in the darkness underneath the couch, Lego sets on a rug, or TV playing old classic cartoons. I think the majority of people will find this movie absolutely boring, however I think there are certain horror fans who will understand what this movie is trying to do and be absolutely terrified by it. I consume a lot of horror content, and I don't find much of it to be "scary", but rather just thrilling, or chilling, or disturbing... but not "scary". The last movie I watched that actually somewhat frightened me was Oculus... That is until Skinamarink. What this movie does is cause you to question what you're seeing when the camera is focused down a dark hallway and the film grain is going absolutely wild. Your mind starts to fill in the blanks and you start to wonder if there's actually something moving, or something staring back at you, just behind the veil of blackness on the screen. Don't misunderstand me, plenty of creepy things do happen in the movie that are perfectly visible, however there is so much of a focus on the black negative space within the house, and your mind starts to fill in the blanks. This is not a jump scare movie, this is a psychological stress test. It's less of a popcorn flick that makes you jump in your seat and closer to your mind stretching thin during the peak of a bad acid trip. I'm a 33 year old adult who is pretty desensitized to scary movies. Very few horror movies have me freaked out after I finish watching the movie... Honest to God this one did. I watched it by myself late at night in my apartment alone, and when it was all over and I turned off my TV, I found myself checking the corners of my apartment as they sat in blackness while I attempted to go to bed. What the director attempted to achieve with the unconventional filming and story presentation absolutely worked on me. Will most audiences get it? Will most audiences make it past the first 20 minutes before turning it off in boredom? Probably not.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
MalwareLordMay 27, 2023
Alright Unique Experience Alright Unique Experience Alright Unique Experience
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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1
alanpotter17May 17, 2023
Realmente não sei se isso possa ser chamado de filme, mas parece um power point bizarro. São vários quadros meio estáticos, filmados com o orçamento de 16 mil dólares, iluminação ruim e barata, com um roteiro que tenta passar alguma espécieRealmente não sei se isso possa ser chamado de filme, mas parece um power point bizarro. São vários quadros meio estáticos, filmados com o orçamento de 16 mil dólares, iluminação ruim e barata, com um roteiro que tenta passar alguma espécie de medo pelo desconhecido, mas acerto tédio.
Só não dou zero porque foi feito de forma muito limitada, então o esforço para se criara história até que é louvável. Problema que nunca engrena, parece travada, quadros bizarros, desfocados, a iluminação uma hora cansa.
Em diversos momentos do filme achei que minha TV tinha travado, ou que estava com problema de vídeo e até mesmo de áudio.
Enfim, um dos piores filmes que eu já vi, talvez a sensação de claustrofobia e umas imagens específicas que podem remeter à infância consigam agradar alguém de forma específica. No geral, achei genérico, entediante.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
Spooky_PookieJan 29, 2023
Destined to become a horror classic. Genuinely the scariest movie I have ever seen, and also one of the best. A masterpiece.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
CineasteFemmeFeb 15, 2023
I've seen this four times and even though I don't go out of my way to yelp, I still feel chills shivering down my spine each watch now. It's definitely not for everyone, but the film is effective in making something so iconic as a houseI've seen this four times and even though I don't go out of my way to yelp, I still feel chills shivering down my spine each watch now. It's definitely not for everyone, but the film is effective in making something so iconic as a house sinister and menacing.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
RIbbotreviewFeb 17, 2023
This movie is what horror should be 100%. I was always on my toes and was not disappointed.
while most horror movies are predictable this movie is so godamn weird that when it all clicks in your brain you feel like a GOD. if you are a fan ofThis movie is what horror should be 100%. I was always on my toes and was not disappointed.
while most horror movies are predictable this movie is so godamn weird that when it all clicks in your brain you feel like a GOD. if you are a fan of the analog horror stuff you can find on YouTube PLEASE WATCH THIS.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
laur_650Jul 25, 2023
the only movie I will ever fully remember its a breath of fresh air for the horror genre and while I love it I understand why some people don't it's very much meant to be more psychological and disturbing my only issue with it is it dose havethe only movie I will ever fully remember its a breath of fresh air for the horror genre and while I love it I understand why some people don't it's very much meant to be more psychological and disturbing my only issue with it is it dose have a lot of filler shots in the moment it helped me feel unnerved but a lot of the shots could be cut and it would have the same affect… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
ReubenIsAGodJan 13, 2023
Movie is reallly slow. Not much actually happens. But once the genuine horror of the situation starts to sink-in it gets genuinely quite scary. I couldn't even really watch the whole film. It plays so heavily on primal fears of the dark andMovie is reallly slow. Not much actually happens. But once the genuine horror of the situation starts to sink-in it gets genuinely quite scary. I couldn't even really watch the whole film. It plays so heavily on primal fears of the dark and the disgusting feeling of proper isolation in liminal spaces. If you're wanting something that feels like a youtube ARG but has a sinking feeling of dread, totally recommended. (My brother and dad watched the movie, whilst I would sorta peak around the corner because it spooked me way too much)… Expand
3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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0
LuigiTortelliniJan 22, 2023
Easily the worst movie ever made, the fact that it has above a zero shows just how worthless and pretentious most "professional critics" are.
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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10
NoahLipseyJan 14, 2023
Skinamarink is a masterclass in ambient horror. Kyle Edward Ball displays his brand of minimalist cinematography to convey a horrifying tale of home intrusion. The fear of the unknown is amplified in this atmospheric hellscape by intricateSkinamarink is a masterclass in ambient horror. Kyle Edward Ball displays his brand of minimalist cinematography to convey a horrifying tale of home intrusion. The fear of the unknown is amplified in this atmospheric hellscape by intricate sound design, brilliant still-imagery, and perfect exposition. Skinamarink marks a turning point for horror films and will be talked about for years to come.… Expand
3 of 10 users found this helpful37
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9
jakeyjakeMay 4, 2023
Skinamarink is an analog horror film that is driven more by atmosphere than it is character or story. It is unnerving at times, downright terrifying in others, and has a great sense of depicting what it would be like to look through the lensSkinamarink is an analog horror film that is driven more by atmosphere than it is character or story. It is unnerving at times, downright terrifying in others, and has a great sense of depicting what it would be like to look through the lens of a young boy or girl with Nyctophobia. The only main detraction is the film's run length, it simply does not need to be an hour and 40 minutes to get its point across and be effective but it still does a good job of maintaining it's tension all throughout the length of the film.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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2
goodnightoppyAug 22, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. More like endurance test, or stinkamarink. Thank technology for allowing me to fast forward through 97% of it that was just sooo boring. Not scary. Only thing slightly scary is the end when you realize it's about a pedo abducting children.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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