Skinamarink is a horror movie that came out in 2022. The cinematography of horror films plays a vital role in instilling fear and introducing audiences to the unknown. Amongst these techniques, the use of film grain adds a unique dimension to the horror genre. In our opinion, Kyle Edward Ball’s directorial debut, “Skinamarink,” is a remarkable horror presentation due to its peculiar color tones and grainy filters. Despite its low budget, this film manages to pack a punch in a short amount of time.
Skinamarink Plot Synopsis
“Skinamarink” delves into the world of childhood fantasies and their profound influence on a child’s mind. The story is portrayed from the perspective of Kevin, the younger child of the family, who finds himself alone with his sister at home after suffering a head injury. As they search for their parents, they discover that the doors to the house have vanished. Will they be able to escape this perplexing situation? Let’s dive into the details.
Spoilers Ahead!
What Happens in “Skinamarink”?
The movie unfolds within a house where the faces of the family members remain unseen, with only glimpses of their legs or backs. Throughout the film, the house’s walls, rooms, and furnishings create an eerie atmosphere, suggesting that a malevolent spirit has taken over. The story begins as Kevin and Kaylee, the siblings, search for their parents. We overhear their father mentioning Kevin’s fall down the stairs due to sleepwalking. However, according to Kaylee, it was just sleepwalking, and their father’s voice is heard only once before disappearing from the house.
The children become terrified when they realize that the doors and windows are constantly disappearing. With a constant buzzing TV in the background, they find their toys scattered on the floor. An eerie voice from upstairs intermittently invites them to approach. Kaylee bravely ventures upstairs to find her parents, only to discover their ghostly forms beckoning her to look under the bed. It’s unclear whether her parents are truly dead or if the apparition is merely taking their form to frighten her.
Subsequently, Kaylee’s mother asks her to go downstairs, while the strange voice instructs Kaylee to take a knife and insert it into her eye. In pain, Kaylee follows the command. Kevin realizes his sister has vanished. The ominous voice torments Kevin, continuously urging him to play. Eventually, the voice reveals that it has killed Kaylee for disobeying orders by removing her mouth. Kevin calls 911, but before help arrives, the voice diverts him again.
The phone drops, and the voice leads Kevin upstairs, causing him to walk on the ceiling and far away from the room. The film concludes with pictures of the children, lacking heads or faces, instilling a sense of dread. Finally, a sinister face emerges from the shadows, commanding Kevin to sleep, but Kevin asks for the figure’s name. A sudden bloodstain on the walls hints at Kevin’s ruthless demise at the hands of the evil force, suggesting that he succumbed to its power, just like his parents and sister.
The Enigmatic Ending of “Skinamarink” – A Horror Story or a Childhood Fantasy?
Similar to the film’s title, “Skinamarink,” which symbolizes both everything and nothing at the same time, the movie delves into the fantasy world of childhood. Director Kyle Ball offers us a glimpse into the minds of children. Initially, all we see are the house’s walls, windows, and furnishings, but when viewed through a child’s eyes, we grasp the true significance of these images. As children explore and comprehend the world, their fascination with what’s real and what’s not intensifies. Doors and windows, along with a simple toy, become fascinating and mysterious. The constant presence of cartoons on TV feels as real to them as their parents. They are too young to distinguish between reality and fantasy. When curiosity peaks, even the slightest sounds and sights become frightening.
Children go through various delusional phases, such as talking to imaginary friends. While adults may dismiss these experiences, engaging with a vivid imagination can be terrifying for children. Kevin’s actions in “Skinamarink” mirror this pattern. The movie explores the connection between a young mind and the dark universe that exists beyond reality. We can infer that Kevin sleepwalks and searches for his parents, encountering darkness that compels him towards self-harm. The visuals in the film torment Kevin like a nightmare, suggesting that he has been sleepwalking all along.
It’s also plausible that Kevin actually dies from his fall down the stairs, and his ghost is now trapped inside the house depicted in the following scenes. The disconnection from his family prevents him from contacting them. In the final moments, a strange apparition urges Kevin to sleep. Just like Kevin, the audience feels perplexed, wondering about the identity and purpose of this spirit. Yet, it remains unknown.
“Skinamarink” doesn’t provide explicit explanations for our fears; instead, it leaves us with a sense of wonder and curiosity that lingers long after the film ends. The film highlights the innate dread that children may have towards undefined phenomena that may or may not exist in reality. “Skinamarink” skillfully employs a slow-burn approach to explore this childlike curiosity. While the film may test the audience’s patience at times, it successfully delivers a chilling experience that leaves us pondering its story.
