Poison

Poison is the groundbreaking 1991 debut feature by Todd Haynes, a provocative independent film that intertwines three separate stories inspired by the writings of Jean Genet. Shifting between a tabloid-style horror tale, a prison romance and a pseudo-documentary about a troubled youth, the film explores themes of desire, repression, identity and social exclusion through a deliberately fragmented narrative structure.

Produced on a modest budget and embraced by the emerging New Queer Cinema movement, Poison became one of the most influential independent films of the 1990s. Haynes blends experimental storytelling with striking visual styles, creating a challenging and innovative work that confronts cultural attitudes toward sexuality, morality and fear. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, Poison established Todd Haynes as a major voice in independent cinema and remains a landmark of queer filmmaking.