When kicking off a series called Surreal Cinema you might expect to see a movie such as Brazil, Donnie Darko, or Eraserhead. Instead, behold Ink, a low budget indie film by Jamin Winans. You've probably never heard of Ink unless it was through word of mouth (as these types of films are usually spread). There was no theatrical release, no DVD advertising, and as far as I know the trailer wasn't even on other films. Ink did get a decent amount of advertising through illegal Torrent sharing and online video streaming. From those meager beginnings it actually managed to garner a small cult following.

So what is Ink?

Ink is one of many characters that lives in an alternate world that exists on top of our own. The inhabitants of this world possess unique powers and remain wholly unseen by humans. They can however influence our world - mostly through dreams. As with all dreams, there are good ones and there are bad ones. Pleasant dreams come from Storytellers whom look like Tom Waits inspired hipsters. Nightmares come from Incubi that are pale looking tormented creatures that wear disturbing vanity masks. Both seem to coexist in the dream world although it is apparent from the get go that they do not inter-mingle.



Ink is neither Storyteller, nor Incubi. Ink is a long-nosed drifter who seeks to join the Incubi by kidnapping a child named Emma. As Ink flees with the child's soul, numerous Storytellers seek to intervene, but fail as Ink disappears into some unknown dream dimension. This leaves Emma's body in a coma and on the verge of death. The Storytellers set out to reclaim the child's soul before Ink can deliver it to the Incubi. The cosmic story unfolds beautifully in a classic good vs. evil motif.

The catch is that's not the main story. The whole dream world aspect is the fantasy aspect of the film. Emma is a real girl and thus a part of the real world. Her father is John a successful businessman and Emma's fate lies solely in his hands. John is cold and distant, surrounded by Incubi that subtly influence his every action. It is through John that you see the two worlds begin to interweave beautifully.


Questions persist while viewing the film as to whether or not the dream world even exists. In many aspects, it seems it may not. The Incubi and Storytellers are nothing more than manifestations of the demon and angel that sit on your shoulder. Do you play with your child or sleep in? I'd talk further on all this, but I don't want to ruin the sweet surprises the film holds for its first time viewers.

It is really hard to describe Ink without seeing it. There isn't a whole lot like it out there. If I had to peg the most similar film to it, it would be The Neverending Story, but this isn't really a children's film. The script and acting can be a little shaky at times, but it almost feels better that way. The cinematography is overly intensified, but how could it not be when you're weaving a dream-like fantasy? There really are very few flaws in the film and I'd wager most anyone will enjoy it. Ink definitely has a universal appeal despite its surreal nature. It only took a few lines from Emma to sell me that this was going to be a great film.

I gave the film an 8 out of 10 when I ranked it on IMDB, but I recommend it exuberantly to anyone that wants to see something that differs from the norm. As a matter of fact, if you got two hours to spare, I invite you to watch Ink right now:

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