Cruel Intentions (2024) – Complete Review

Synopsis

The film’s story revolves around step-siblings Caroline (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien (Zac Burgess), who, after a hazing incident, decide to use their privileged position to seduce the daughter of the Vice President of the United States in order to maintain their social power and reputation. It’s a tale of ambition, manipulation, and the dangerous consequences of unchecked privilege.

While the premise promises tension and high-stakes drama, the plot quickly becomes predictable. The step-sibling relationship, intended to add complexity, falls flat due to lackluster character development. The stakes, which should be gripping, feel underwhelming because the film does not dig deeply enough into the character’s motivations or the consequences of their actions. Rather than shocking, the twists and turns seem contrived, and the emotional punch is often missing.

Character Performances

Sarah Catherine Hook as Caroline and Zac Burgess as Lucien do their best with the material, but unfortunately, their performances are hindered by the script’s shallow treatment of their characters. While they both fit their roles as manipulative and entitled college students, they struggle to evoke any real depth or empathy. The chemistry between the two is adequate, but it’s not enough to elevate the film’s stakes.

Savannah Lee Smith, who plays the Vice President’s daughter, offers the most grounded performance of the trio, playing the innocent target caught in the web of deceit. However, like the rest of the cast, her character is reduced to a mere plot device rather than a fully fleshed-out individual.

Direction & Cinematography

Under the direction of Sara Goodman, Cruel Intentions tries to maintain a dark, moody tone with sleek cinematography and a rich college backdrop. The visual aesthetic is effective in showcasing the power dynamics and tensions between the characters, but the direction does little to elevate the screenplay. Scenes meant to be emotionally charged often feel flat, and the dialogue comes off as forced rather than natural.

Goodman’s pacing is also a concern. The film drags in parts, primarily when the characters are engaged in manipulative games, with the narrative becoming repetitive and lacking in momentum.

Themes and Social Commentary

Cruel Intentions attempts to explore themes of privilege, power, and the lengths people will go to preserve their social standing. However, these themes are not explored in any meaningful depth. The film’s portrayal of elitism and the toxic effects of privilege is superficial at best, and the characters never seem to face the consequences of their actions in any profound way. It’s a missed opportunity to engage with deeper social commentary, which leaves the audience with little more than a recycled version of a well-worn trope.