Kids (1995)

Larry Clark’s Kids (1995) is a raw, unfiltered snapshot of youth culture in 1990s New York City. Written by Harmony Korine when he was just 19 years old, the film sparked major controversy for its frank depiction of teenage sex, drug use, and urban nihilism. It’s disturbing, thought-provoking, and unapologetically real—definitely not your average coming-of-age story.

Detailed Summary

Opening: Telly’s Obsession

The film opens with Telly, a 17-year-old skateboarder, having sex with a 12-year-old girl. This disturbing scene establishes the character’s obsession with sleeping with virgins, under the twisted belief that it keeps him safe from STDs. Telly and his best friend Casper spend their days skating, stealing, partying, and seeking out more young girls.

Jenny’s Diagnosis

Meanwhile, Jenny, a friend of one of Telly’s past conquests, goes to a free clinic to get tested for STDs. Shockingly, she tests positive for HIV—even though she has only had sex once, with Telly. In contrast, her friend, who is far more sexually active, tests negative. This ironic twist becomes the emotional engine of the story.

The Descent into Chaos

The film follows Telly and Casper throughout a single day in New York City. They engage in increasingly reckless behavior—shoplifting, getting high, and hooking up with more underage girls. Jenny, horrified by her diagnosis, spends the day desperately trying to find Telly and warn him before he infects anyone else.

Jenny’s Search and Party Scene

Jenny’s journey becomes more frantic as she navigates the gritty streets of Manhattan. Eventually, she finds Telly at a house party, but she’s too late. Telly is already with another young girl. Defeated and numbed, Jenny passes out on the couch.

The Final Act: Casper’s Act

While Jenny sleeps, Casper, now drunk and high, wanders through the party and stumbles upon her. In a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking final scene, Casper rapes Jenny, completely unaware of her HIV-positive status.

Movie Ending

The film ends the next morning with Casper waking up next to Jenny. He groggily asks, “Jesus Christ… what happened?” This haunting final line leaves viewers with a chilling sense of dread, hopelessness, and unresolved consequences. It’s not a film that offers closure—it offers a slap in the face.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Kids does not have any post-credits scenes. The movie ends abruptly, and intentionally so. Its conclusion is meant to linger, uncomfortably, in the viewer’s mind.

Type of Movie

Kids is a drama and independent film. It’s often classified as a coming-of-age story, though it subverts nearly every genre expectation. It’s raw, documentary-like, and falls under the social realism and teen drama categories.

Cast

• Leo Fitzpatrick as Telly
• Justin Pierce as Casper
• Chloë Sevigny as Jenny
• Rosario Dawson as Ruby
• Jon Abrahams as Steven
• Harmony Korine (uncredited cameo)

This film marked the acting debut of both Chloë Sevigny and Rosario Dawson, who would go on to have successful careers.

Film Music and Composer

The soundtrack features original music by Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. and Folk Implosion, including the hit “Natural One.” The music mirrors the film’s underground aesthetic with lo-fi, alternative tracks that complement the gritty visuals.

Filming Locations

Shot entirely on location in New York City, Kids captures the raw energy of the East Village, Central Park, and various Lower Manhattan neighborhoods. The authentic locations give the film a documentary feel and were crucial in grounding the chaotic, free-roaming story in a real urban environment.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated for Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance (Chloë Sevigny)
• Won Best Cinematography at the 1996 Stockholm Film Festival
• Selected for Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival

Despite its notoriety, the film was largely snubbed by major awards due to its controversial content.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Larry Clark cast real teenagers, many from the NYC skate scene, rather than professional actors.
• Harmony Korine wrote the script in only a few weeks.
• Clark and Korine were accused of exploiting the young cast, a claim both strongly denied.
• The film was originally given an NC-17 rating, which led to Miramax having to release it through an independent distributor.
• Many scenes were improvised or shot without permits.

Inspirations and References

• The film was inspired by Larry Clark’s photography, particularly his 1971 book Tulsa.
• Korine drew on real people and events from the NYC youth scene in the early ’90s.
• The storytelling style borrows from cinéma vérité and documentary filmmaking.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings. The ending was always intended to be unsettling and ambiguous. Some improvised scenes were trimmed for pacing, but no major storylines were cut.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There is no book the film is based on, but the screenplay by Harmony Korine has been published and studied for its raw, streetwise dialogue. There are no major adaptation differences.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The HIV test results at the clinic
• The infamous opening sex scene
• The house party finale
• Jenny’s subway ride, isolated and terrified

Iconic Quotes

• “Virgins. I love ‘em.” — Telly
• “Jesus Christ… what happened?” — Casper
• “I had sex once… and now I have a death sentence.” — Jenny

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Cameo: Harmony Korine briefly appears in the party scene.
• Many scenes were shot guerrilla-style, so unsuspecting New Yorkers seen on-screen weren’t extras.
• The skaters’ names were kept close to the actors’ real nicknames to enhance realism.

Trivia

• The film was banned in several countries, including Australia for a time.
• Chloë Sevigny and Harmony Korine began dating after the film.
• Justin Pierce tragically died by suicide in 2000.
• The film cost only $1.5 million to make.
• Larry Clark insisted on casting non-professional actors to preserve authenticity.

Why Watch?

If you’re interested in raw, unfiltered realism and a portrait of urban youth on the edge, Kids is essential viewing. It’s not a feel-good movie—it’s a disturbing wake-up call. It’s best viewed as a social commentary rather than entertainment.

Director’s Other Movies

• Bully (2001)
• Ken Park (2002)
• Wassup Rockers (2005)
• Marfa Girl (2012)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Bully (2001)
• Gummo (1997)
• Thirteen (2003)
• Requiem for a Dream (2000)
• The Basketball Diaries (1995)
• Mid90s (2018)