Kaboom

Set in a vibrant college campus, Kaboom is a quirky and suspenseful film that explores the supernatural and the sexually explicit in a world teetering on the brink of destruction. Written and directed by Gregg Araki, the movie follows Smith (Thomas Dekker), a young freshman prone to surreal and prophetic dreams who is trying to navigate the labyrinthine landscape of campus life while battling his own existential angst.

Smith is an awkward and sensitive outsider who yearns for intimacy and connection, but struggles to find it in the shallow and superficial world of college. He shares a dorm room with his best friend Stella (Haley Bennett), a feisty and sexually adventurous girl who is more comfortable in her own skin than he is. Together, they explore the wild parties and eccentric characters that inhabit their world, including London (Juno Temple), a mysterious and seductive woman who entrances Smith with her otherworldly beauty, and Thor (Chris Zylka), a hunky surfer dude who seems to have a hidden agenda.

As Smith delves deeper into his dreams and his subconscious, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a shadowy cult and a looming apocalypse. He discovers that he must confront his fears and embrace his true identity if he wants to save himself and the world from destruction. Along the way, he faces a series of bizarre and terrifying hallucinations, encounters with bizarre and dangerous characters, and erotic encounters that push the boundaries of his own sexuality.

Kaboom is a wild and trippy ride that blends elements of horror, comedy, and drama into an unpredictable and unforgettable cinematic experience. It's a film that defies classification, mixing together themes of alienation, sexual exploration, and cosmic horror in a fresh and original way. Araki infuses the movie with his signature blend of surrealism, dark humor, and pop culture references, creating a film that is both playful and profound.

The performances in Kaboom are uniformly excellent, with Dekker anchoring the film with his compelling portrayal of Smith's journey from confusion to self-realization. Bennett is equally impressive as his confidante Stella, imbuing her character with both sensitivity and sass. Zylka and Temple are both mesmerizing as the enigmatic love interests, adding a touch of danger and intrigue to the proceedings.

The production design and cinematography in Kaboom are top-notch, creating a vivid and colorful world that is a joy to explore. From the neon-lit parties to the creepy cult gatherings, every frame of the film is bursting with creativity and imagination. Araki's use of music and sound is also effective, adding to the film's overall sense of surrealism and unpredictability.

Kaboom is not a film for everyone, as its graphic sexuality and violent content may be off-putting to some viewers. However, for those who are willing to take the journey, it's a film that rewards with its boldness and originality. Araki has crafted a unique and unforgettable vision that defies easy categorization, making Kaboom one of the most interesting and exciting films of its year.