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Wild Things
1998 108 min United States of America R 18+
★6.6
Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Director: John McNaughton
Trailers
Description
When teen-socialite Kelly Van Ryan and troubled bad girl Suzie Toller accuse guidance counselor Sam Lombardo of rape, he's suspended by the school, rejected by the town, and fighting to get his life back. One cop suspects conspiracy, but nothing is what it seems...
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$30.15M
Worldwide:
$67.2M
Starring
Kevin Bacon
Actor
Neve Campbell
Actor
Matt Dillon
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1999
— Best Original Score
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1999
— Best Kiss
Key opinion
Wild Things is widely regarded as a quintessentially clever 90s erotic thriller that relies heavily on its labyrinthine plot and strong ensemble cast. While many viewers celebrate its unpredictable, twist-heavy structure as a benchmark of the genre, others find the narrative's relentless deceptions and cynical tone to be exhausting or even cartoonish.
| Acting | The ensemble cast, featuring standout performances from Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Denise Richards, and Bill Murray, is consistently praised for elevating the material. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay masterfully employs intricate, non-linear plotting to keep audiences guessing, successfully subverting viewer expectations throughout. | |
| Production | The film's aesthetic effectively uses sunny Florida locations to contrast with the dark, manipulative nature of its characters and plot. | |
| Screenplay | The relentless barrage of narrative twists divides viewers: some find the constant shocks engaging and replayable, while others feel the story eventually loses logic and veers into absurdity. | |
| Theme | Opinions on the film's tone are split; supporters appreciate its dark, cynical playfulness, whereas detractors find the lack of sympathetic characters and the comic nature of the finale to be jarring. |