The Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan – FrightFest 2025 Movie Review
First Reaction – The Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan gives us an interesting dive into a cult favourite.
Director: Grayson Tyler Johnson, Josh Johnson
Plot: NYC filmmaker Andy Milligan made low-budget shock films in the 60s-70s before dying of AIDS. The documentary reveals his complex life and fierce directing style.
Runtime: 1 Hour 49 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on The Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan
Recap
The movie follows the life and career of NYC filmmaker Andy Milligan. It follows his style of cinema which pushed the barriers of what was acceptable at the time. This showed his shock films during the 60s-70s which have further gather a reputation over the years.
Best Parts
Any documentary about a cult filmmaker is interesting seeing how they did something to push the audience. This is no different, it showed how he pushed audience in different directions and caused them to get a reputation in the business. We get a host of different stories which go through the career, from the big moments and the more troublesome moments.
Worst Parts
This does feel like more of a documentary targeted at the fans of the director, it doesn’t feel like anyone would watch to check out the movies.
Final Thoughts – The Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan is an interesting journey into cult cinema.
