Kaboom (film)

Kaboom is a 2010 science fiction comedy-drama film written and directed by Gregg Araki. It premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, where it received the first-ever Queer Palm award.

The film follows Smith (Thomas Dekker), a film student at a liberal arts college, as he navigates his bisexuality, dreams, and impending apocalypse. Smith is searching for love and sex but finds himself increasingly drawn into a strange and potentially dangerous mystery after attending a party. Recurring images of a woman with red hair and the number "69" appear throughout the film.

The plot involves a secret society, cannibalism, and a prophecy of the end of the world. The film is known for its surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, its explicit sexuality, and its blend of genres, including teen drama, science fiction, and comedy. It has been described as a "post-queer" film due to its casual and un-self-conscious depiction of bisexuality and other sexual orientations.

The cast also includes Juno Temple, Haley Bennett, Chris Zylka, and Roxane Mesquida. "Kaboom" received mixed reviews upon release, with critics divided on its merits and unconventional style. Some praised its originality and boldness, while others criticized its incoherence and lack of focus. Despite the mixed reception, it has developed a cult following.