Release: 1999-03-05
Runtime: 1h 38m (98 minutes)
Slaking a thirst for dangerous games, Kathryn challenges her stepbrother, Sebastian, to deflower their headmaster's daughter before the summer ends. If he succeeds, the prize is the chance to bed Kathryn. But if he loses, Kathryn will claim his most prized possession.
Watch this on:
Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama, Romance
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Joshua Jackson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, more
Reese Witherspoon
as Annette Hargrove
Joshua Jackson
as Blaine Tuttle
Sarah Michelle Gellar
as Kathryn Merteuil
Christine Baranski
as Bunny Caldwell
Tara Reid
as Marci Greenbaum
Ryan Phillippe
as Sébastian Valmont
Selma Blair
as Cecile Caldwell
Sean Patrick Thomas
as Ronald Clifford
Louise Fletcher
as Helen Rosemond
Eric Mabius
as Greg McConnell
Swoosie Kurtz
as Dr. Greenbaum
Alaina Reed Hall
as Nurse
Slaking a thirst for dangerous games, Kathryn challenges her stepbrother, Sebastian, to deflower their headmaster's daughter before the summer ends. If he succeeds, the prize is the chance to bed Kathryn. But if he loses, Kathryn will claim his most prized possession.
In the game of seduction, there is only one rule: Never fall in love.
Cruel Intentions is a teen romantic drama released on 5 March 1999, directed by Roger Kumble and featuring talented actors like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. Set in New York City, the film is a contemporary adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's classic novel Les Liaisons dangereuses.
The story revolves around Sebastian Valmont, a wealthy teenager known for his charm and manipulation. He decides to seduce Annette Hargrove, the daughter of his new headmaster, who believes in love before sex. Sebastian, along with his cunning stepsister Kathryn Merteuil, makes a bet: if he fails to seduce Annette, Kathryn will get his vintage car; if he succeeds, Kathryn will finally sleep with him.
As Sebastian attempts to win Annette's heart, he faces challenges as she is aware of his reputation. He even resorts to blackmailing a friend to help him alter Annette's perception of him. Sebastian's relationship with Annette deepens, leading to genuine feelings, complicating the bet's original intentions.
However, Sebastian struggles with his emotions and ends up lying to Annette, claiming his feelings were a façade. This betrayal devastates her, and Sebastian soon realizes he has been manipulated by Kathryn all along. The story takes a dark turn when Kathryn, seeking revenge, falsely accuses Sebastian of wrongdoing, leading to a tragic confrontation.
The film concludes with Sebastian's sacrifice for Annette, and during his funeral, Kathryn's true nature is revealed to the public, ultimately leading to her downfall. Annette drives away in Sebastian's car, reflecting on their brief time together.
Cruel Intentions was initially a smaller independent project but became a significant financial success, grossing around $76 million worldwide against a budget of $10.5 million. The film's success has allowed it to maintain a lasting legacy, generating a media franchise that includes a prequel and a sequel, as well as a musical adaptation and an upcoming television series.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the lead actors while others criticized its script. Despite this, it has gained a cult following over the years, celebrated for its dark themes and memorable quotes.
As we look back, Cruel Intentions remains a notable film that explores themes of manipulation, love, and betrayal, making a lasting impact on pop culture since its release.
