We Survived ‘Baby Invasion’: Inside Harmony Korine’s Insane Experimental Film That Earned an 8.5-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice

As a seasoned cinephile with over two decades of film festival-going under my belt, I must say that Harmony Korine’s “Baby Invasion” has left me utterly spellbound and slightly disoriented – much like his previous works have done to me in the past. The sheer audacity and innovation displayed in this film are simply breathtaking.


Fittingly, the midnight screenings seldom get more suitable than “Baby Invasion,” Harmony Korine’s latest unconventional, experimental, and video game-esque sensory challenge. This film made its global debut on Saturday night in Venice, earning an 8.5-minute standing ovation.

Previously, the film “Aggro Dr1ft” by Korine left spectators at the Lido stunned and amazed – even causing some to exit – due to its entire infrared cinematography, coupled with twerking dancers in strip clubs and villainous figures screaming: “Dance, girl!”

However, in 2024, “Baby Invasion,” a daring production outside traditional cinema, became the late-night spectacle for those brave enough or fortunate to secure tickets. The movie focused on a band of mercenaries who had baby-like masks, infiltrating the homes of the wealthy and influential.

Once more, the movie takes on the style of a first-person shooter game, being produced with AI and gaming software, and boasts music by Burial.

As a movie-loving enthusiast, I’d put it this way: “I recently stumbled upon an intriguing new multiplayer FPS game called ‘Baby Invasion.’ The unique twist? You fight as a mercenary disguised as a baby! This stealthy move helps hide your true identity. Your mission? Infiltrate the homes of the wealthy and influential, leaving no trace behind. But be warned, you’ve got to scour every nook and cranny before time expires!”

In 2023, the standing ovation for “Baby Invasion” might not have surpassed the 10-minute long one for “Aggro Dr1ft,” which held the unofficial title of the longest at the festival. However, the extended applause could be attributed to the fact that it starred rapper Travis Scott, marking his debut in a major film role.

Since his early days as a filmmaker, Harmony Korine has frequently attended Venice, debuting his first directorial work, “Gummo,” there in 1997. Initially, the movie didn’t gain favorable reviews from critics but eventually earned a special mention from the FIPRESCI jury at Venice. In 2012, “Spring Breakers” made its world debut at Venice and was honored with the Future Film Festival Digital Award.

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2024-09-01 02:46