Begotten

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Begotten

1991

1h 18m

Drama

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

70%

Tomatometer

10 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

God Killing Himself (Brian Salzberg), Mother Earth (Donna Dempsey) and Son of Earth-Flesh on Bone (Stephen Charles Barry) are players in a myth of primal gore.

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Mr. Merhige's concentration, while impressive in its way, seems almost entirely self-contained, with little effort to engage an audience on even the level of myth; the film's approach is far too grotesque for that.

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 30, 2004

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

If you're squeamish you should avoid this like the plague; others may find it hard to shake off the artistry and originality of this visionary effort. And if you're looking to be freaked out you shouldn't pass it up.

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Michelle Kisner

The Movie Sleuth

Begotten holds power as a bizarre and mystifying piece of art that still haunts viewers.

Nov 11, 2023

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

This one is made for freaks and those who love strange films.

Rated: B+

May 29, 2016

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jun 12, 2005

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Andy Klein

Los Angeles CityBeat

Rated: 4/5

Jun 23, 2004

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Sauron A

Garbage movie with no plot and no interesting characters.Pointless movie,I didn't manage to finish it because it's so boring to sit through.Random flashes of black and white bullshit with no meaning. 1/10

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/16/25

Full Review

Ian Burt R

I'm giving this 5 stars, because of how disturbed I was after watching it, and i'm a horror buff. Most movies you sit down, with a choc-ice, popcorn a drink and watch a horror movie, which has a plot, main characters, scary music and jump out of your seat sudden scary scenes. Well, this is nothing like that style of movie whatsoever. I watched Begotten in a dark room, on my own, and I struggled that night coping. This is downright creepie, eerie and weird and unlike anything i've ever seen. It has to be appreciated for what it is. Don't expect a movie, expect weirdness, art, contrast, visual and audio creepiness. This is a sit on your own, in the dark with no one around movie.....and then try and sleep afterwards! It's subliminal. The visions and sounds of the movie were played over and over again in my head when i tried to sleep. It is the most eerie creepy disturbing movie i've ever watched.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/09/25

Full Review

Joshua H

Begotten is a confusing mess that tests ones patience

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Teddy B

Less Dali and more Warhol, 'Begotten', although likeably ambitious, doesn't rise above being a thin test of its audience's patience. I don't believe that was the intent of the director.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/01/25

Full Review

Courtney K

for a movie that's 100% visual, it doesn't really show you anything.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

06/30/24

Full Review

R W

Easily one of the most creative and unique films ever made. It's as comforting as it is disturbing much like the contrast of the visuals.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/26/23

Full Review

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E. Elias Merhige

Director

Brian Salzberg

God Killing Himself

Donna Dempsey

Mother Earth

Stephen Charles Barry

Son Of Earth - Flesh On Bone

James Gandia

Actor

Garfield White

Actor

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Synopsis

God Killing Himself (Brian Salzberg), Mother Earth (Donna Dempsey) and Son of Earth-Flesh on Bone (Stephen Charles Barry) are players in a myth of primal gore.

Director: E. Elias Merhige
Producer: E. Elias Merhige
Screenwriter: E. Elias Merhige
Production Co: Theatre Of Material
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 18m