There’s something oddly satisfying about removing blackheads — the moment when that pesky little clog finally slips out of your pore. It’s no wonder popping videos have taken over the internet, from extracting massive cysts to hardened earwax, – they are incredibly addictive, hypnotizing, and strangely relaxing.

Of course, they are also greasy and slimy. But in stop-motion, it’s much cuter. Imagine a little handyman squeezing out clay sebaceous filaments from a felted cheek, for all of the satisfaction and none of the grossness! That’s exactly what Footless Studio, a stop-motion animation studio based in Shanghai, has created. Their latest pimple-popping video racked up over 40 million views in just three days.

Footless Studio is the brainchild of artists Hana Zhang and Eugine Lee. Aside from the whimsical stop-motion shorts, the power duo has also tackled more serious subject matters. For example, Pet Paradise, their 2023 claymation short film. The story follows seven insecure animals who take up residence in a plastic surgery hospital, featuring a snake who wants legs, a spotted bunny who yearns for a pure coat, and a pig determined to be skinny. The film provides a thought-provoking reflection on today’s beauty standards, where the animals’ pursuit of beauty only leads them deeper into despair.

For their next project, Footless Studio is working on another stop-motion short film, Dear Kankan. A heartfelt story exploring the unexpected loss of a friend, with an introspective look into grief, childhood memories, and friendship. The story follows two characters, Me, a lonely woman who never leaves her apartment, and her eccentric neighbor, Kankan. The film offers a unique split narrative approach, where Me is brought to life through colorful claymation, while the story of Kankan is in live action shot on black and white film.

In their Kickstarter trailer, Eugine shared, “Through this project, we want to present a mind-boggling film that is not only rich in visual sensation, but also a story that will resonate and evoke a friendship you might have forgotten.” With striking visuals and a suspenseful score, Footless Studio promises to capture those moments that are deeply personal and close to the heart.

Watch the Dear Kankan trailer, as well as their showreel for 2024 below, and be sure to keep an eye out for its release!

All images via Instagram/@footless_studio.