From Lars von Trier the controversial director of Breaking the Waves comes a strikingly original and thought provoking film about a group of people who confront and subvert the norms and conventions of middle-class society by exploring and releasing their 'inner idiot'.

Following a chance encounter with the group, the lonely drifter Karen becomes unintentionally involved with them. Gradually, Karen begins to understand what they are up to and, overcoming initial anger and reluctance, eventually participates in their subversive activities. Isolated and concealing a deep sadness, Karen finds solace, acceptance and understanding with 'the idiots' and she is drawn in by the sense of joy and child-like innocence of their behaviour. However, as the idiocy escalates, certain members decide to leave, strengthening the solidarity of those who remain and futhering their resolve to live out their excessive feelings, the aggression, the curiosity and the uncontrolled egotistical, primitive sexuality. Produced with the revolutionary Dogma 95 Manifesto, The Idiots is a powerful controversial and refreshingly unconventional film from one of contemporary cinema's major talents.

Shown in competition at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival.