Movie spotlight
Cruel Intentions
Fifteen years after the death of her brother, villainous Kathryn Merteuil seeks to manipulate her nephew, Bash, and gain control of the family business Valmont International. (A sequel to the 1999 movie, this was the pilot for a NBC series that did not get produced.)
Insights
Plot Summary
In this dark teen drama, Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont, wealthy and manipulative stepsiblings living in New York City, engage in a cruel game of seduction and betrayal. Sebastian bets Kathryn that he can seduce Annette Hargrove, a virtuous virgin, before the start of the summer. As the game unfolds, Sebastian finds himself genuinely falling for Annette, complicating his relationship with Kathryn and their dangerous pact.
Critical Reception
Cruel Intentions was a box office success and garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its stylish direction, witty dialogue, and performances, particularly from Gellar and Phillippe, others found its plot overly predictable and its characters morally bankrupt. The film has since become a cult classic among fans of teen dramas.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its stylish direction and sharp dialogue.
Acknowledged for its strong performances, especially by the lead cast.
Criticized for its morally ambiguous characters and predictable plot.
Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's provocative themes and engaging performances, though some found the plot to be derivative and the characters unlikeable.
Fun Fact
The film is a modern retelling of the 1782 French novel 'Les Liaisons dangereuses' by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
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