Precocious NYC youths act with a sense of impunity, as if there were no consequences for their actions. But when Jennie finds out Telly has passed HIV on to her, she tries to stop him before he does it again.

This is like an after-school special on steroids. It’s grimy, documentary-like and features the kind of kids you’d never want to cross paths with.

But, like Clark’s later Bully, it draws you in even though you feel like you need to scrub yourself down with bleach afterwards.

Chloë Sevigny, Leo Fitzpatrick and Justin Pierce head a great cast. They are so natural and un-Hollywood that the line between film and reality blurred on release, with many critics interpreting Kids as a warning rather than just entertainment.

There was also a furore regarding the NC-17 certificate awarded by the MPAA. It was released unrated instead.

Like Bully, this will stay with you long after its running time.

4 out of 5 stars