Harmony Korine’s ‘Baby Invasion’: A midnight spectacle at Venice
A night to remember
Midnight screenings rarely come more fitting than Harmony Korine’s latest experimental venture, Baby Invasion. Premiering on a Saturday night in Venice, the film received an 8.5-minute standing ovation, a testament to its provocative and unconventional nature.
A visual and auditory assault
The film is a sensory overload, featuring heavily armed, baby-faced criminals engaging in a series of shocking activities. From torturing people to dancing to Burial’s thumping techno score, the visuals are as unique as they are unsettling. The audience witnessed scenes of characters chopping up huge piles of cocaine and giving the finger while sitting on the toilet, all contributing to the film’s chaotic atmosphere.
Audience reaction
The crowd seemed to revel in the madness. As the hour and 20-minute movie concluded, cheers erupted, and Korine himself danced to the beat of the credits. The enthusiasm didn’t stop there; fans chanted “Harmony! Harmony! Harmony!” as the director basked in the adulation.
A plot like no other
One of the many Twitch-style comments that appeared on the screen during the film read, “this plot deserves an Oscar.” While Baby Invasion may not be Oscar material in the traditional sense, it certainly offers a unique narrative experience. Much of the plot is communicated through voiceover, delivered by an ASMR aficionado Korine discovered on OnlyFans. A white rabbit frequently appears in the dialogue, perhaps symbolizing the wealthy individuals the baby-faced criminals are robbing or serving as a good luck charm as they raid mansions and yachts in Florida.
Korine’s previous shock and awe
Last year, Korine left audiences in a state of shock with Aggro Dr1ft, a film shot entirely in infrared and featuring twerking strippers and demonic crime lords. The film prompted several walkouts but also garnered significant attention. With Baby Invasion, Korine continues to push the boundaries of what he calls “post cinema.”
The midnight must-see of 2024
Baby Invasion is a must-see for those who dare to experience it. The film features a group of mercenaries disguised with baby faces, invading the mansions of the wealthy and powerful. Made using AI and video game engines, the film plays out like a first-person shooter, complete with a score by Burial.
Official synopsis
According to the official synopsis, Baby Invasion is described as ”a new ultra-realistic, multiplayer FPS game following a group of mercenaries using baby faces as avatars to conceal their identity. Tasked with entering mansions of the rich and powerful and leaving nothing behind, players must explore every rabbit hole before time runs out.”
A standing ovation
While the standing ovation for Baby Invasion may not have matched the 10-minute applause for Aggro Dr1ft in 2023, it was still a significant moment. The excessive applause for Aggro Dr1ft may have been influenced by the presence of rapper Travis Scott, making his first major film role.
Korine’s history with Venice
Korine has a long history with the Venice Film Festival, dating back to his directorial debut, Gummo, in 1997. Although initially not well-received by critics, the film later won a special mention from Venice’s FIPRESCI jury. In 2012, Spring Breakers had its world premiere at Venice, where it received the Future Film Festival Digital Award.
Final thoughts
Harmony Korine continues to challenge and provoke with his unique brand of cinema. Baby Invasion is a testament to his ability to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences. For those who appreciate experimental and unconventional films, this is one midnight screening that should not be missed.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Baby Invasion.
Note: This article is a personal reflection and analysis of Harmony Korine’s latest film, Baby Invasion. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any specific publication or organization.