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Friday Night Movies: Cruel Intentions

Friday Night Movies: Cruel Intentions

Descend into the scandalous and seductive world of ‘Cruel Intentions'

December 15, 2023

And we are back again for another instalment for our ‘Friday Night Movies‘ series. Tonight, we invite you to descend into the scandalous and seductive world of ‘Cruel Intentions,’ the 1999 drama directed by Roger Kumble as we step into a tale of manipulation and desire.

‘Cruel Intentions’ is not just a film; it’s a cult classic that remains forever linked to the hearts of late 90’s teenagers. From the iconic opening scene playing Placebo’s “Every You Every Me,” to the unforgettable and boundary-pushing kiss moment between Sarah Michelle Gellar & Selma Blair.

What makes ‘Cruel Intentions’ a must-watch Friday night movie? It’s quite simple, it’s an intoxicating brew of teenage drama, dark desires, and a game of love and power that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Plot

In the upper echelons of New York’s elite society, step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian Valmont (Ryan Phillippe) are wickedly charming, yet morally corrupt. They revel in making bets about the lives and loves of those around them. However, their twisted games take a dark turn when Sebastian is challenged to seduce the innocent Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon).

Of course, as the plot thickens and secrets unravel, ‘Cruel Intentions’ takes us on a rollercoaster ride of passion, betrayal, and redemption. It’s a tale of temptation and transformation, where the characters’ true natures are exposed amidst the lies and deceit.

Cast

At the heart of ‘Cruel Intentions’ is a cast that brings its characters to life with a devilish charm. Sarah Michelle Gellar goes from the small screen to the big screen and embodies the manipulative Kathryn with a deliciously wicked edge, while Ryan Phillippe’s Sebastian becomes a teen heartthrob as he oozes charisma and complexity. Reese Witherspoon shines as the virtuous Annette, navigating a world of temptation. The film also features memorable performances by Selma Blair, Joshua Jackson, and Eric Mabius, each adding a layer of intrigue to this tantalising narrative.

Reviews

While the critics on Rotten Tomatoes were quick to disown ‘Cruel Intentions’ with an unimpressive 48% rating, audiences loved the movie with a 71% rating. — and who are you going to trust, critics or the audience? Over at IMDb with over 200,000 reviews they also agree with the Rotten Tomatoes sentiment with a 6.8/10 rating – confirming its enduring popularity and impact on audiences.