The End of Innocence (film)

The End of Innocence is a 1990 Australian drama film written and directed by Brian Kavanagh. The film is a semi-autobiographical work, exploring themes of childhood trauma, family dynamics, and the loss of innocence as seen through the eyes of a young boy named Frank.

The story unfolds through Frank's fragmented memories and perceptions, presenting a non-linear narrative that reflects the often confusing and overwhelming nature of childhood experience. The film depicts a dysfunctional family environment, marked by emotional neglect, marital discord, and the boy's attempts to navigate a world he struggles to understand.

While not strictly autobiographical, Kavanagh has acknowledged that the film draws heavily on his own childhood experiences and explores universal themes related to growing up and confronting difficult realities. The film's artistic and unconventional style has been noted by critics, emphasizing its focus on psychological realism rather than a straightforward plot. It's a character study of a child grappling with a complex and often unsettling world around him. The film received critical acclaim for its performances and Kavanagh's direction, although it may not be as widely known as other Australian films of the period.