Kill Your Darlings

Synopsis

Kill Your Darlings is a gripping exploration of the early days of the Beat Generation, weaving together the lives of iconic figures such as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William S. Burroughs. The film is set in the 1940s and follows a young, ambitious Ginsberg as he navigates his rebellious journey through Columbia University. With the guidance of charismatic classmate Lucien Carr, Ginsberg finds himself embroiled in a world of literary passion, friendship, and a tragic crime that would haunt them all. As the young writers grapple with their identities and societal expectations, they discover the power of words as both a liberating force and a weapon in their tumultuous lives. Capturing the essence of youth and the quest for creative freedom, Kill Your Darlings presents an intimate portrait of the personal struggles and profound connections that shaped a literary movement.

Cast

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  Lolita Davidovich

  Lola

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  Julie Benz

  Katherine

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  Alexander Skarsgård

  Geert

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  John Larroquette

  Dr. Bangley

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  Greg Germann

  Stevens

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  Benito Martinez

  Officer Jones

Reviews

Kill Your Darlings has received a mixed reception from critics, highlighting its artistic ambition but questioning its execution. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a critic score of 61%, with many praising the performances of its lead actors but critiquing its pacing and coherence. 'The film is filled with raw energy and showcases splendid performances,' noted one critic from Variety, while another pointed out, 'Despite its ambitious premise, the plot often feels disjointed, preventing full immersion.' IMDb users rated the film a modest 4.5/10, indicating a divide in audience reception. 'It's visually stunning, but I expected a deeper narrative,' one viewer commented. Metacritic gave the film a score of 56, signifying mixed or average reviews. The performances by Daniel Radcliffe as Ginsberg and Dane DeHaan as Carr have been highlighted as a key strength, with one review stating, 'Their chemistry electrifies the screen, even if the story falters.' Ultimately, while Kill Your Darlings captures the fervor of an iconic era, it struggles to fully deliver a cohesive story.