Fögi Is a Bastard

When 15-year-old Beni meets Fögi, a charismatic singer in a rock band, he’s instantly smitten. The film follows the slow pull of that attraction as Fögi courts Beni with attention and promises, and the teenager keeps hoping love will be enough. Fögi’s charisma hides a deep dependence on drugs, and the relationship becomes increasingly one-sided, with Beni doing what Fögi wants to stay close. The story tracks how affection, manipulation, and substance abuse overlap, showing how a young person can be drawn into danger without revealing plot twists or the ending.

Released in 1998, the film was directed by Marcel Gisler, with Rudolf Nadler and Martin Frank among the credited creators. It features Frédéric Andrau as Fögi and Vincent Branchet as Beni, and it comes from the Swiss arthouse scene, aiming for a raw, intimate aesthetic rather than mainstream polish.

Critical reaction has been mixed, reflected in a modest average rating of 5.4/10 from a small number of votes. Reviewers and viewers have praised the film’s unflinching look at addiction and abusive power, while some criticized its explicit content and the ethical questions around portraying a sexual relationship involving a minor. The performances and atmosphere tend to divide opinion, prompting debate about intent and responsibility in filmmaking.

The movie has lingered in conversations about queer cinema and portrayals of youth in trouble, especially within Swiss and European arthouse circles. Certain scenes and the stark depiction of dependency have stuck with viewers, giving the film a kind of uneasy reputation and a small, dedicated following among people interested in films that confront uncomfortable social issues.

There are no records of major international awards like Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes for this title. It hasn’t been widely recognized by mainstream prize bodies, though it continues to be referenced in festival programming notes and academic discussions about representations of exploitation and addiction.