Join Mary Beth McAndrews, editor-in-chief of Dread Central, as she unpacks the eerie world of 'Skinamarink.' This conversation reveals how childhood nightmares inspired the film's chilling narrative and taps into shared fears of isolation. Discover the movie's rise from festival gem to viral sensation, propelled by social media and unexpected leaks. McAndrews also examines the analog horror trend on platforms like YouTube, highlighting its ability to evoke nostalgia and dread, especially in a post-pandemic era.
Kyle Edward Ball's journey from YouTube shorts to 'Skinnamarink' illustrates the transformative power of the internet in independent filmmaking.
The film's unique minimalist aesthetic evokes childhood fears, resonating with collective subconscious anxieties in modern horror culture.
Deep dives
The Genesis of a Nightmare
The podcast reflects on the experience of childhood nightmares, particularly those involving loneliness and fear in dark spaces. A vivid personal account is provided, illustrating how memories of seemingly insignificant night-time events can shape our fears. This exploration is tied to director Kyle Edward Ball, who captures similar themes in his film 'Skinnamarink.' The notion is presented that many individuals share a common thread of experiencing nightmares that evoke deep feelings of helplessness during their childhood.
The Evolution of Skinnamarink
Kyle Edward Ball's journey from creating viral horror shorts on YouTube to launching a full-length feature film illustrates a transformative moment in independent filmmaking. His early experiences in a video store and fascination with horror paved the way for his distinctive style, which blends traditional horror with experimental forms. Inspired by the success of other viral shorts, Ball utilized crowdfunding to bring 'Skinnamarink' to life, demonstrating the potential of the internet to democratize filmmaking. The film captures the essence of childhood fears by creating space for the unknown, ultimately leading to a more visceral cinematic experience.
Crafting an Atmosphere of Fear
The unique aesthetic of 'Skinnamarink' is characterized by its minimalist techniques that evoke the stark terror of childhood. Critics describe the film as an unsettling blend of nightmarish visuals and disembodied sounds that draw the viewer into a state of heightened anxiety. Kyle crafted the film within the confines of his childhood home, utilizing the environment to cultivate a personal connection to the fears being depicted. The film's dynamic tension comes from its focus on ambiguous liminal spaces that resonate deeply with viewers, tapping into collective subconscious fears.
The Impact of Digital Culture on Horror
The rise of analog horror and its embrace by online communities is underscored, showcasing how the genre has evolved amidst digital culture. 'Skinnamarink' gained traction through viral sharing, igniting discussions across social media platforms that fueled its popularity and commercial success. Rather than detracting from its potential, the film's pirated availability only amplified interest and anticipation for its theatrical release. This movement reflects a larger shift in how horror is consumed and discussed, emphasizing the relevance of nostalgia and collective experience in shaping modern scares.
Director Kyle Edward Ball had a nightmare as a child: "I was in my parents’ house, my parents were missing, and there was a monster." Turns out, this is a nightmare a lot of people have had. After honing this craft on his YouTube channel, he finally made his film… and then it leaked online.
Joined by Ball himself and Dread Central’s editor-in-chief MaryBeth McAndrews, Anna explores how SKINAMARINK became the perfect haunted house movie for the internet age.
Season 6, titled Haunted Homes, explores how haunted house movies have mirrored our relationship with our homes. Each episode visits a horror movie that changed the way we imagine a haunted house, from the crumbling Gothic mansions to white picket fences, what it says about the people who live in the houses and what scares them the most.
Guest written and hosted by Anna Bogutskaya. Find her book on horror films and feelings, FEEDING THE MONSTER, online and in all good bookshops. You can also listen to her horror film history podcastThe Final Girlsand subscribe to her movie newsletter Admit One.
THE SUBSTANCE is now showing in theaters across the US, UK, Latin America, Germany, Canada and Netherlands and streaming exclusively on MUBI.
SKINAMARINK is now streaming on MUBI in Latin America.
To watch some of the films we've covered on the podcast, check out the collection Featured on the MUBI Podcast. Availability of films varies depending on your country.
After listening, check out our piece that explores the visual aesthetics of Skinamarink (2022), "Digital Impressionism: Cinema between Figuration and Abstraction". Read the article here.
MUBI is a global streaming service, production company and film distributor dedicated to elevating great cinema. MUBI makes, acquires, curates, and champions extraordinary films, connecting them to audiences all over the world. A place to discover ambitious new films and singular voices, from iconic directors to emerging auteurs. Each carefully chosen by MUBI’s curators.
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