Kill Your Darlings

Allen Ginsberg is brought to life by Daniel Radcliffe in this tense and powerful adaptation based on true events. The film is set during Ginsberg’s brief time at Columbia University where he is introduced to an entirely new, intoxicating and invigorating world by the rebellious Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan).

The two characters are soon joined by others and form a radical, anti-establishment group, questioning and challenging every rule and convention they encounter. We also witness the growing affection Ginsberg has for Carr and watch their relationship grow as they partake in dancing, smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Yet it quickly becomes apparent that Carr is only getting through his degree because of his relationship with a professor, David Kammerer, who writes all of Carr's reports on his behalf. Furthermore, when Carr finally rejects Kammerer completely and ends the relationship, events take a dark and sinister twist; Kammerer is found murdered one morning and Carr is rapidly put to trial with only Ginsberg to write his deposition. However, Ginsberg’s fictional and somewhat Romantic account is rejected by Carr for fear of prejudicing the jury against his case.

Tensions spiral out of control and you will soon become lost in the hazy world of drugs, deceit, secrecy and heartache that became Ginsberg’s world. For those of you who have read Howl, this film provides fantastic insight into Ginsberg’s anti-establishment mind-set and his growing defiance in a world of intolerance and censorship.

Lauren Howard