Genre: Drama/Indie Film
Duration: 1h 31m
An Indie Film A Day, by Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com
Kids* (1995), directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine, is a raw and unflinching portrayal of teenage life in New York City. The film delves into controversial themes of youth, sexuality, drug use, and the consequences of a reckless lifestyle. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 47%, an IMDb rating of 7/10, and a Metacritic score of 63%, Kids has divided audiences and critics alike.
The film follows Telly (Leo Fitzpatrick), a manipulative and hedonistic teenager, as he pursues a predatory lifestyle of seducing underage girls. This unsettling character is the kind of figure parents dread—a “sex machine” exploiting naivety. Alongside him are other teenagers navigating a world rife with drugs, violence, and moral ambiguity. Rosario Dawson, discovered at just 15 years old, made her acting debut in the film, playing a role that mirrors the gritty reality of urban youth. Jenny, another pivotal character, brings emotional weight as she discovers her HIV-positive status and embarks on a desperate search to confront Telly.
The film’s graphic depiction of teenage life sparked widespread controversy upon its release, earning an NC-17 rating for explicit content. Its unrelenting honesty makes Kids both difficult to watch and deeply impactful. It shines a harsh light on societal issues such as AIDS misconceptions, stereotypes, and the dangers of unchecked behavior among youth.
Contrary to misleading synopses, the film does not explicitly state that Telly is aware of his HIV status, which is crucial to understanding his character’s oblivious recklessness. This narrative choice shifts the moral commentary, making the story even more haunting.
Kids remains a cult classic of the 1990s, celebrated for its devastating honesty, brash violence, and brutal humor. It captures the stark realities of growing up in a world without boundaries, providing a snapshot of a generation often ignored by mainstream cinema. Its influence can be seen in later films like Mid90s and City of God, which also explore the struggles of youth with raw authenticity.
Watching Kids is not an easy experience. It made me uncomfortable, but the ability to bring out that discomfort is precisely the beauty of the film—it forces viewers to confront difficult truths. This film opened my mind to controversial subject matters that demand discussion. While it’s not suitable for children, Kids is essential viewing for those interested in exploring the darker corners of youth culture and urban life.
Larry Clark’s Kids is a cinematic punch to the gut—a film that doesn’t hold back, offering a brutal yet poignant exploration of adolescence. It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a raw, realistic portrayal of the challenges and consequences faced by a lost generation.