Curry Barker's directorial debut, 'Milk & Serial', is a curious watch, to say the least. While it's free to stream on YouTube, the question remains: is it worth your time? The movie, a 62-minute horror-comedy, is a product of Barker's early career, before he directed the surprise hit 'Obsession'.
The film is set in the world of YouTube, where the main character, Marshall (aka 'Milk'), and his roommate Steven (aka 'Seven') create pranks for their channel, Prank Bros. The movie opens with a prank gone wrong, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Milk has a darker plan in the works. The line between harmless pranks and something more sinister blurs, and the audience is left wondering where the fun ends and the horror begins.
Barker has said that his background in comedy helped him transition into horror, as both genres involve studying the human condition and understanding character psychology. However, 'Milk & Serial' feels more like a YouTuber trying to make a movie than a professional filmmaker. The found-footage style, while popular, is not executed perfectly, with the movie feeling more like a YouTube video than a cohesive film. The handheld camera work, jagged cuts, and direct address to the audience all contribute to this feeling.
One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is its exploration of gaslighting, a concept that Milk explains to the audience. However, the execution is somewhat confusing, leaving the viewer to question whether the movie is satirizing the concept or simply trying to put it in an online-prankster context. The movie also lacks tension, with amateurish acting and dull, under-lit compositions.
Despite these issues, 'Milk & Serial' is a fascinating watch for fans of Barker's work. It shows the early stages of his career and the leaps and bounds he has made since. For those who enjoy found-footage horror, it's a fun, if somewhat flawed, entry into the genre. However, for those looking for a more polished and tense experience, it may not be the best choice.
In my opinion, 'Milk & Serial' is a must-watch for fans of Curry Barker and found-footage horror. It's a unique and intriguing look into the early career of a talented filmmaker. While it may not be perfect, it's a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a creator and the process of making a movie. So, if you're feeling adventurous, give it a try and see for yourself whether it's worth the watch.
