Idiot Box

Synopsis

Idiot Box (1997) is a dark comedy-drama film that follows the life of Kev, a man disillusioned with conventional life. His monotonous work in a supermarket leads him to explore the thrill of armed robbery. As Kev's criminal acts escalate, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and violence. Ben Mendelsohn delivers a compelling performance, portraying the complexities of Kev's character with depth and intensity. The film explores themes of alienation, society's expectations, and the consequences of chasing fleeting excitement. Idiot Box takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, blurring the lines between right and wrong in a thought-provoking narrative.

Cast

• 

  Ben Mendelsohn

  Kev

• 

  Jeremy Sims

  Mick

• 

  John Polson

  Jonah

• 

  Graeme Blundell

  Detective Eric

• 

  Deborah Kennedy

  Detective Leanne

• Robyn Loau

  Lani

Reviews

Idiot Box received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Ben Mendelsohn's captivating portrayal of Kev. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as 'a gripping exploration of moral decay' and gives it a rating of 3.5/5. IMDb users appreciate the film's dark humor and unconventional storytelling, rating it 6.4/10. Metacritic commends the director's bold approach to showcasing the protagonist's descent into chaos. However, some critics found the narrative pacing disjointed, affecting the overall impact. Variety states, 'Idiot Box challenges viewers to confront the darker aspects of human nature, but may leave some feeling unsettled.' Overall, the film offers a unique perspective on the consequences of deviating from societal norms.