{THE AND} & The Skin Deep describe themselves as “a collective of exploring human emotion + intimacy in the digital age.” When I watch them, I think of it as a human experience of making two people actual communicate in front of a camera. They sit two people down, who range from married couples, to new couples, to mother/son, father/daughter, and even the latest series- two strangers on a “blind date,” and give them a series of question cards to ask each other. They’re blunt questions, mostly challenging the two to think deep into their relationship and get “skin deep.” As a psych major, I think these videos are gold- studying human interaction and adding in the feature of being on camera, which we know changes most people’s reactions to things. You don’t have to be a psych major to love these videos though, and here’s why.
They challenge societal issues
In this video on {THE AND} a mother/son talk about how the son’s transitioning affected their relationship. Some of the questions seemed like they have been opinions that they could’ve been wanting to tell each other for awhile, yet they weren’t exactly asked until now.
They can show growth in the future
{THE AND} Gregory & Joshua- Learning Patience and Sweetness
This father/son episode shows not only an adorable relationship, but also how at that age, the relationship is crucial and important how it can grow in the future. Videos like these will be something that would be interesting if they followed them a few years later, and see the progression of how their relationship then with Joshua so young, develops further as he gets older.
They can get emotional
Ali and Andrew Part 1: Why Did You Cheat on Me?
Having ex’s talk to each other can definitely hit a nerve, and with this ex-couple, the hard questions were asked. It only took one card to set the tears off with the question, “why did you cheat on me.” While this ex’s series looks to the future of what could be to come, it also makes a note to look back to get some clarifying questions to provide closure.
They touch on real issues that people can relate to
{THE AND} Emily & Bobby- Scared to Say “I Love You”
This couple has only been dating for 2 months (on the short side compared to most of the other clips) and it’s a relatable topic for people in their 20’s. The couple isn’t sure where the other will be moving to next, and they are afraid of getting too attached, unsure of the future of their courses.
They show progress of relationships over time
Sidra & Ben- How a Baby Can Change Your Marriage
Sidra & Ben- Will There Ever Be Enough Time?
This couple was filmed twice (so far) before they had a baby after being married 10 years, and then after they had the baby. This shows the progress of the relationship and how they expected their relationship to change and their fears with having the baby, and their reality after the baby is born.
They challenge people
{THE AND} Kelsey & Nick- Are First Impressions Spot on?
{THE AND} Kendall & Salah- Strangers Fall In Love
Having strangers in this part of the series, works to challenge people to step out of their comfort zone and study the truths of blind dating. While normally people don’t address these sort of questions when they first meet someone, it actually makes them more intimate to talk about these things right off the back, and make people forced to assess their first impressions of people (on tape nonetheless).
If you have some time and want to see what kinds of questions may be beneficial to ask people (to get closer) these videos are definitely something to binge watch.