“Powder” (1995) is a science fiction drama directed by Victor Salva that explores themes of alienation, human potential, and prejudice. The film follows Jeremy “Powder” Reed (played by Sean Patrick Flanery), an albino teenager with extraordinary intellect, telepathic abilities, and an intense electromagnetic field surrounding him. Powder is found living in his grandparents’ basement after their death, having been isolated from society for most of his life.

Plot Overview

Jeremy, or “Powder,” is taken to a home for troubled youths where his extraordinary powers are discovered by the people around him. His abilities range from telepathy and heightened intelligence to the ability to manipulate electricity. However, these powers, combined with his strange appearance, make him an outcast. The film delves into Powder’s struggle to connect with others and the challenges he faces due to his physical and mental differences.

Characters such as Jessie Caldwell (played by Mary Steenburgen), a psychologist, and Sheriff Barnum (played by Lance Henriksen), attempt to help Powder understand the world and navigate the prejudice he faces, while others, like the local students, fear and bully him. The climax of the film revolves around Powder’s realization of his connection to the universe and the culmination of his powers.

Themes and Reception

“Powder” tackles profound themes, such as the fear of the unknown, the potential for human connection, and the conflict between science and spirituality. Powder’s character embodies the idea of human potential beyond physical limitations, challenging the perception of what it means to be “normal.”

Despite its thought-provoking themes, “Powder” received mixed reviews. Critics praised Sean Patrick Flanery’s portrayal of Powder and the film’s emotional depth, but some found its pacing slow and its sentimentality overbearing. The film was also clouded by controversy due to director Victor Salva’s criminal history, which caused public backlash and impacted its reception​(

Overall, “Powder” remains a memorable film for its exploration of human nature, though it is often remembered just as much for the controversy surrounding its director as for its storyline.