Cruel Intentions

Is ‘CRUEL INTENTIONS’ (1999) Still Deliciously Evil and Wickedly Sexy?

Cruel Intentions was released on March 5,1999. It was a modern retelling of the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses and was cast full of the popular young talent of the time. Let’s revisit this film and some movie trivia on its 25th anniversary to see if it is still deliciously evil and wickedly sexy.

First, take a look at the trailer!

Synopsis

The virtuous Annette (Reese Witherspoon) unknowingly becomes a pawn in seduction by Sebastian’s (Ryan Phillippe) and Kathryn’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) diabolical wager of sexual conquest. However, these step siblings get more than they bargained for with this endeavor. 

Cruel Intentions (1999) was written and directed by Roger Kumble. It stars Sarah Michelle Gellar (I Know What You Did Last Summer 1997), Ryan Phillippe (I Know What You Did Last Summer 1997), Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde 2001), and Selma Blair (Hellboy 2004). Psst…you can read our retro review of I Know What You Did Last Summer here!

The film received mixed reviews at the time of its release but has gained quite the cult following over the years. 

Movie Trivia

There were almost two Dawson’s Creek connections in Cruel Intentions (1999). Obviously, Joshua Jackson played Blaine and was Pacey on the television series, Dawson’s Creek.  What you might not know is that Katie Holmes who played Joey on Dawson’s Creek was up for the role of Annette in Cruel Intentions (1999). 

The infamous kissing scene between Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Cecile (Selma Blair) grabbed a great deal of attention at the time. It was actually spoofed in Not Another Teen Movie (2001). It also helped to land Cruel Intentions (1999) at number 32 on Entertainment Weekly’s the 50 Sexiest Movies Ever in their November 2008 issue. 

The romantic sparks between Ryan Phillipe (Sebastian) and Reese Witherspoon (Annette) were real. The two were dating in real life during the filming of Cruel Intentions (1999) and were actually married 3 months after the release.

Additionally, Reese Witherspoon was pregnant while doing the press tour for Cruel Intentions (1999) with the couple’s first daughter, Ava. 

You can revisit the film on Amazon Prime this month in celebration of its 25th anniversary. 

Stay tuned to PopHorror for all your news, reviews, interviews, and  retro reviews!

About Englewood29

A woman with a life long love affair of horror movies that enjoys supporting the horror community through her writing. .

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