Review: Primal Screen



(imdb.com)

As the streaming site Shudder begins finding its place in the horror industry, it's collection of scary movies, short films and documentaries only continue to grow. Mix in some exclusives and Shudder is well on its way to becoming the Netflix of horror. But, in finding its footing, there will of course be some bumps in the road. The Shudder exclusive , Primal Screen, is one of those bumps.

While not terrible in any way shape or form, ignoring the flatness to Primal Screen feels negligent. It's short runtime and lack of other intended episodes makes it feel out of place. The docuseries looks at the things that scare us and is directed by Rodney Ascher (The Nightmare). Featuring random interjecting interviews, the film observes the fear of dolls and dummies, especially propelled by the release of the teaser for Magic. It observes and how the short commercial for Magic spread throughout schools and how he eventually got over his fear of dolls.

In moments like describing how he'd race to turn channels, viewers can expect to relate to his troubles, but that's about it. Primal Screen doesn't make room to think or react, just sit there complacently, waiting for the feature to end. Sure it's not a full documentary, but the resulting product should do something a little more than just exist. Especially coming from Ascher, Primal Screen feels pointless and cobbled together for money, not for thought. It's a shame though; a lot can be done with the ideas of what scares us as children and why.

Primal Screen would work better released in multiple parts at once. Without confirmation of more to come, it almost feels as if it were some random episode pulled from a show on horror history, scares and future. If there was more context, or even some better padding with episodes around it or coming after, the shortness would almost feel justifiable. But, for what seems marketed as a telling documentary, just isn't. It's an account of childhood, but not a really insightful one.

At a mere 27 minutes long, Primal Screen goes nowhere and does nothing. It's the type of showing that if expanded could have a sense of direction worth watching, but because of its limited time comes across as empty and disappointing. Fans of full length films like Room 237 and The Nightmare would and should wait a little longer for something with more depth. 4 out of 10.