Julien Donkey-Boy

Plot

"O, mio babbino caro" plays as a woman skates gracefully. In contrast, little is graceful and daddy is not dear in Julien's world. His father listens to blues wearing a gas mask; dad prods, lectures, and derides Julien as well as Julien's brother and pregnant sister, while grandma attends to her dog. Julien is different, schizophrenic. He wears gold teeth. He bowls, sings, worships, and chats with a group of young adults with disabilities. His sister's child is probably his own. He talks on the phone, imagining it's his mother, who died in childbirth years before. He may be a murderer of children. From his point of view (perhaps), the film follows this odd family for a few weeks.

Why watch

"Julien Donkey-Boy" is a haunting exploration of a fractured mind and family, where absurdity collides with the stark realities of mental illness. Harmony Korine's raw, disjointed narrative invites viewers into a world that is both unsettling and strangely poignant, making it a must-see for those who dare to confront the darker sides of human experience.

Cultural context

If you liked this

Influenced by