November 17, 2023
FILM: THE KIND STRANGER
DIRECTED BY: SINI HORMIO, ANU SILFVERBERG
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The Kind Stranger is a relatively short (52 min.) documentary about a technique called ASMR, which stands for Automated Sensory Meridian Response. Basically, it is for people who like to be comforted by sounds such as wind, scissors, hairbrushes, pencils on paper, and so on. Many make videos that are uploaded to YouTube or other sites to offer that sense of being cared for or soothed by seemingly simple sounds. Some may think this is just another self-help fad but based on the people interviewed for this documentary, it can provide many levels of satisfaction.
The ASMR movement has really only begun to organize in the last decade or so, thanks in part to social media. It is reported that the first professional paper on the subject was only presented in 2015. Based on the film though, ASMR really does bring people together. One young woman travels to Finland to meet one of the men who has created many ASMR videos. Watching them together does feel a bit sensual and intimate. However, according to the film, testimonials suggest that ASMR can be helpful to people who have difficulty sleeping, are recovering from PTSD, or need a sense of security in their lives. The technique almost serves as a friend, therapist, or loving family member.
The film itself is pretty soothing as the filmmakers offer plenty of examples of the uniquely created sounds. People describe the tingling sensations they experience upon hearing them too. It’s equated to that feeling of awe some of us get when confronted with something really beautiful or that nostalgic feeling when we hear a piece of music that brings back good memories.
Since the film is pretty brief it doesn’t really overstay its welcome. The first half, when we are being introduced to ASMR, is probably a bit more successful than the second as the filmmakers delve a bit into some of the personal connections made as a result of social media. There are plenty of talking heads here too but they don’t overtake the experience which is much more aural than visual anyway.
The Kind Stranger is an interesting film that takes viewers into a way of life that has seemingly helped many people. It’s worth spending time with it.
The Kind Stranger is having its international premiere at DOC NYC. It is available to be streamed via the festival’s website thru November 26th. For tickets, go to https://www.docnyc.net/film/the-kind-stranger/
FILM: THE KIND STRANGER
DIRECTED BY: SINI HORMIO, ANU SILFVERBERG
RATING: 3 ½ out of 4 stars
By Dan Pal
The Kind Stranger is a relatively short (52 min.) documentary about a technique called ASMR, which stands for Automated Sensory Meridian Response. Basically, it is for people who like to be comforted by sounds such as wind, scissors, hairbrushes, pencils on paper, and so on. Many make videos that are uploaded to YouTube or other sites to offer that sense of being cared for or soothed by seemingly simple sounds. Some may think this is just another self-help fad but based on the people interviewed for this documentary, it can provide many levels of satisfaction.
The ASMR movement has really only begun to organize in the last decade or so, thanks in part to social media. It is reported that the first professional paper on the subject was only presented in 2015. Based on the film though, ASMR really does bring people together. One young woman travels to Finland to meet one of the men who has created many ASMR videos. Watching them together does feel a bit sensual and intimate. However, according to the film, testimonials suggest that ASMR can be helpful to people who have difficulty sleeping, are recovering from PTSD, or need a sense of security in their lives. The technique almost serves as a friend, therapist, or loving family member.
The film itself is pretty soothing as the filmmakers offer plenty of examples of the uniquely created sounds. People describe the tingling sensations they experience upon hearing them too. It’s equated to that feeling of awe some of us get when confronted with something really beautiful or that nostalgic feeling when we hear a piece of music that brings back good memories.
Since the film is pretty brief it doesn’t really overstay its welcome. The first half, when we are being introduced to ASMR, is probably a bit more successful than the second as the filmmakers delve a bit into some of the personal connections made as a result of social media. There are plenty of talking heads here too but they don’t overtake the experience which is much more aural than visual anyway.
The Kind Stranger is an interesting film that takes viewers into a way of life that has seemingly helped many people. It’s worth spending time with it.
The Kind Stranger is having its international premiere at DOC NYC. It is available to be streamed via the festival’s website thru November 26th. For tickets, go to https://www.docnyc.net/film/the-kind-stranger/