PoisonJagdish9.9· March 31, 2025FollowAs a debut film from over 30 years ago, in my view, Todd Haynes has already cemented himself as auteur. The fact that each of the three segments is filmed in a distinctly unique style, while his thematic thesis seamlessly unifies them into a cohesive whole, highlights the strength of this work. POISON feels less like a film title and more of a mission statement pertainign to societal outlook on queerness. POISON features an intercut tripytch of three stories that examine nurture, trauma, repression within societal roles due to suppressed sexuality, and the impact of AIDS—all conveyed through symbolic imagery and narrative. Each segment adopts a distinct style, whether a dramatized TV documentary, poetic expression, or a black-and-white B-movie, blending together in a way that creates striking thematic contrasts. The interplay between these styles felt organic and compelling, keeping me engaged with plenty to reflect on. Hero is a tabloid-style story about a seven-year-old who makes a daring escape after shooting his father. Horror mimics a 1950s monster film, following a scientist studying human sexuality who becomes an outcast after developing a grotesque affliction. The final chapter, Homo delves into the setting of an erotic prison film, exploring the intense attraction and cruel humiliation between two inmates. More people need to see this.CommentsSign in to react and join the conversation.Sign inGet the app