King Cobra (2016)
Introducing King Cobra (2016): A Dark Dive into a Controversial Industry
Introduction
King Cobra (2016), directed by Justin Kelly and based on the book *Cobra Killer: Gay **, Murder, and the Manhunt to Bring the Killers to Justice by Andrew E. Stoner and Peter A. Conway, is a provocative biographical crime drama exploring the underbelly of a niche and controversial entertainment world in the mid-2000s. Released on October 21, 2016, by IFC Midnight, the film stars Garrett Clayton as Sean Paul Lockhart (aka Brent Corrigan), Christian Slater as Stephen Kocis, and James Franco as rival producer Joe Kerekes. Supporting performances by Alicia Silverstone, Molly Ringwald, and Keegan Allen add emotional depth.
Inspired by true events, King Cobra examines themes of ambition, manipulation, and betrayal, culminating in a real-life murder. Premiering at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival, it mixes dark comedy, thriller elements, and social critique, receiving mixed reactions for its bold storytelling, controversial content, and tonal shifts.
This article presents a thorough breakdown of King Cobra, including its narrative, background, direction, themes, critical reception, and place in the realm of true-crime and queer cinema.
Plot Summary
Set in 2006, King Cobra follows 17-year-old Sean Paul Lockhart (Garrett Clayton), who arrives in Pennsylvania to shoot a solo *** video under the guidance of Stephen Kocis (Christian Slater), a closeted producer operating a *** studio—Cobra Video—from his suburban home. Using the stage name Brent Corrigan and lying about his age, Sean rapidly gains popularity after a successful debut.
As his fame rises, Sean seeks a bigger share of the revenue, but Stephen, who trademarks the Brent Corrigan name, refuses. This conflict fuels resentment. Meanwhile, rival producer Joe Kerekes (James Franco) and his unstable partner Harlow Cuadra (Keegan Allen) manage a fledgling studio, Viper Boyz. Obsessed with acquiring Brent’s star power, they hatch a plan to steal him away. When negotiations break down, jealousy and desperation take over, culminating in the brutal 2007 murder of Kocis—Stephen’s real-life counterpart.
The film alternates between Brent’s strained relationship with Stephen and the escalating criminal schemes of Joe and Harlow. It is a gritty blend of drama and crime thriller, offering a disturbing view of fame, manipulation, and exploitation.
Historical and Cinematic Context
King Cobra is inspired by actual events, including the murder of Bryan Kocis, the real-life owner of Cobra Video. In reality, Sean Lockhart (Brent Corrigan) entered the *** industry underage, triggering a scandal. Kocis was murdered in 2007 by Joseph Kerekes and Harlow Cuadra, rival producers who saw Brent as a business opportunity.
The film recalls Boogie Nights (1997), which depicted the straight *** industry of the 1970s. However, King Cobra is more intimate and specific, grounded in a real case. It joins a wave of 2010s queer cinema—like Dallas Buyers Club and The Normal Heart—but with a sharper, indie-style focus.
Lockhart criticized the film, stating on Twitter that it was made without his consent and mocked both queer identity and the *** industry. Nonetheless, the film uses his story as a lens to examine power dynamics and ambition.
Production and Direction
Directed by Justin Kelly (I Am Michael), King Cobra was produced with a modest budget, filmed mostly in New York. Suburban locations doubled for Pennsylvania, giving the story an unsettling familiarity.
Garrett Clayton shines as Brent Corrigan, evolving from a naive youth to a determined survivor. Christian Slater adds complexity to Stephen’s character, while James Franco brings intensity as the scheming Joe. Keegan Allen plays Harlow with volatile unpredictability. Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwald, though in minor roles, help ground the film emotionally.
The production includes softcore *** scenes, used to emphasize realism without crossing into explicit territory. Cinematographer Benjamin Loeb and composer Tim Kvasnosky create a moody, tense atmosphere. While some critics praised the daring choices, others noted tonal inconsistency.
Themes and Style
At its core, King Cobra explores the commodification of youth and ambition. Brent’s journey highlights the dangers of fame in an industry that both rewards and exploits beauty. The relationship between performer and producer becomes a study in power, ownership, and consent.
The film also touches on queer identity—portraying closeted individuals, toxic relationships, and the societal pressures faced by LGBTQ+ figures in the public eye. Still, some argue that it sensationalizes rather than sensitively portrays these topics.
Stylistically, the film mixes thriller, drama, and satire. Its visual and musical cues support a dark, almost tabloid-like narrative, while never fully glamorizing its subject matter. Critics remain divided—some found it thought-provoking, others labeled it exploitative.
Reception and Controversy
King Cobra earned a 49% approval on Rotten Tomatoes and a 48 on Metacritic, reflecting mixed reactions. Some praised it for dark humor and daring performances—particularly Clayton and Slater—while others criticized the pacing and lack of emotional depth.
Audience response varied. While some found it compelling and praised its dramatization of real events, others felt it lacked insight into the murder case or Brent Corrigan’s personal struggle. Corrigan himself denounced the film, fueling ongoing debate about its ethics.
Though theatrical performance was limited, the film found success on digital platforms like Amazon Prime, AMC+, and Tubi.
Legacy and Availability
King Cobra stands out as a rare blend of true-crime and queer cinema. Though not universally acclaimed, it dares to dramatize an infamous industry story with both style and grit. It raises complex questions about fame, identity, and morality in a world that thrives on youthful allure and power imbalance.
The film is available on streaming services including AMC+, Philo, IFC Films Unlimited, and Tubi, as well as for rental or purchase via Amazon, Apple TV, and others. A Blu-ray/DVD combo was released in 2017 with bonus content.
Conclusion
King Cobra (2016) is a daring biopic that dives into a sensational true-crime narrative set against the backdrop of a controversial entertainment world. Through strong performances and unflinching storytelling, it reveals the dark costs of ambition and exploitation. Though flawed and controversial, it remains a conversation-starter—especially for viewers interested in LGBTQ+ themes, crime stories, or the hidden mechanisms of fame
