Director John Maringouin's Faustian confrontation with the estranged father, who once tried to kill him, was dubbed “one of the ultimate anti-drug films” when it appeared at the Rotterdam International Film Festival this year. Maringouin considers it a “documentary” spawned by a lifetime of nightmares and, when watching this hyper-real fable, it's not hard to see why.

After a 25-year absence, Maringouin returns to his birth home to paint this bizarre portrait of his father; an artist and drug addict living on the brink of existence with an equally addicted and suicidal woman. Over two weeks, Maringouin films the couple's explosive relationship, while essentially playing ‘piggy in the middle' as they both vie for his approval. Part Edward Albee play, part Virginia Wolf, part Maringouin, part Cassavetes… but 100 percent compelling.

Director John Maringouin is a guest of the festival and will introdue the session on Thursday 3 August, 7.10pm at ACMI. A Q&A will follow the screening.