Milk & Serial: A YouTube Prank Gone Horribly Wrong
Curry Barker's directorial debut, Milk & Serial, is a 62-minute horror-comedy that showcases the director's journey from sketch comedian to filmmaker. The movie, available for free on YouTube, follows the antics of best friends Marshall (Curry Barker) and Steven (Cooper Tomlinson), who run a YouTube channel called Prank Bros. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it offers a unique perspective on the world of online pranks and the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface.
The movie opens with a prank gone wrong, as Steven pulls a gun on Marshall's birthday, only to reveal it's a fake. But Marshall has his own plan, and the line between harmless pranks and deadly consequences blurs. Barker's understanding of character psychology, honed through his comedy work, adds depth to the characters and their motivations. However, the movie's found-footage style, reminiscent of YouTube videos, feels more like an excuse to shoot the film in a handheld, jaggedly realistic manner, rather than a genuine attempt at the genre.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Milk & Serial is its exploration of the twisted justifications of male minds. Barker's keen eye for these justifications adds a layer of complexity to the characters, but it also raises questions about the movie's intent. Is it satirizing the concept of gaslighting, or is it simply mansplaining it? The movie's pacing is also a concern, with long, under-lit compositions that make it feel more like a podcast than a horror-comedy.
Despite its flaws, Milk & Serial is a fascinating glimpse into the world of online pranks and the potential consequences. It showcases Barker's growth as a filmmaker and his ability to navigate the challenges of the YouTube platform. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a must-watch for fans of Obsession and those interested in the intersection of comedy and horror.
In my opinion, Milk & Serial is a fascinating exploration of the darker side of online pranks and the potential consequences. It's a testament to Barker's growth as a filmmaker and his ability to navigate the challenges of the YouTube platform. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a must-watch for fans of Obsession and those interested in the intersection of comedy and horror.
