Kaboom, the new film from director Gregg Araki, tells the story of a bisexual college student named Smith. Smith’s everyday routine of hanging out and hooking up with his friends is interrupted when, on a drug trip, he hallucinates about witnessing the murder of a mysterious red-haired girl. Although he initially dismisses the murder as a figment of his imagination, a series of strange events leads him to believe that it was, in fact, real.
The unusual plot of Kaboom creates an interesting blend of horror, comedy, and mystery. The resulting combination may not be completely seamless, but it is certainly enjoyable. The glut of sexuality and violence is a bit over-the-top and the plot is a bit contrived. However, the film has a campy charm that simply makes it fun to watch.
Kaboom is off-the-wall and exaggerated, but it is still an incredibly enjoyable film. If you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll have a great time. Kaboom is playing now at the IFC Center in New York City.
-Katie Hoppenjans
