Powder

"Powder" is a shy, isolated teenager whose odd appearance and oddities set him apart in a town that prizes uniformity. He faces cruel taunts from peers, and even adults treat him as a curiosity rather than a person. Beneath his tentative surface, he carries a quiet intelligence and a sense of wonder. Then a sudden display of extraordinary abilities emerges, revealing a power that lets him do things beyond ordinary human reach. The revelation unsettles and fascinates those around him, drawing attention from friends, teachers, and strangers alike. As the community grapples with his gifts, questions about identity, fear, and belonging ripple through their daily lives, forcing them to reconsider what it means to be human. And leaves questions behind.

Directed by Victor Salva, Powder arrived in 1995 as an original screenplay not based on any preexisting work, and signaling Salva's vision. The film balances intimate character moments with a sense of mystique, highlighting how difference can reshape a community.

Made for about 9.5 million, Powder earned roughly 30.9 million worldwide, signaling a modest theatrical return that still allowed the story to reach a broad audience despite its niche appeal, and helped it find a steady afterlife in home media.

Critics split on Powder, with some praising its earnest look at difference and the honesty of the performances while others found the mood overly earnest. The film raises questions about power ethics, fear of the unfamiliar, and the ways communities treat people who defy expectations and how fear shapes judgment.

Powder has a modest footprint in late 90s cinema, noted for its humane take on a young man with unusual gifts. It sparked conversations about acceptance and difference, and it remains a reference point in discussions of fantasy drama that mixes emotion with social questions. Its legacy endures among fans.