Greatest Films Like Merciless Intentions, From Jawbreaker to Worry

Over 20 years since its inception, Cruel Intentions continues to be being talked about by followers. The teenager movie was hailed as a cult basic and has develop into an integral a part of ’90s cinema historical past. Whereas we have been blessed with some improbable teen movies within the ’90s — She’s All That, 10 Issues I Hate About You, and Clueless — Merciless Intentions stands out among the many pack as going past the standard saccharine, romantic teen movie into all-out scandal and intrigue. The movie formed a technology, pushing the boundaries till they broke. Nobody had seen a teen movie like Merciless Intentions earlier than, one which was each refined and risqué. “It was type of that film that you just weren’t presupposed to let your dad and mom know you’ve seen,” stated Jordan Ross, the co-creator of Merciless Intentions: The Musical, in a 2017 interview with The Telegraph. There’s something darkly compelling in regards to the movie — you’ll be able to establish, you’ll be able to critique, you’ll be able to moralize, or you’ll be able to really feel elevated when the highly effective fall. Merciless Intentions evokes a sure perverse curiosity with its glimpse into the wild, debaucherous lives of the elite.

Unsurprisingly, there are few which have managed to measure as much as the cult basic since, although none have surpassed its cultural significance. Nevertheless, there are a number of releases through the ‘90s and ‘00s that share a number of the movie’s seductive similarities. Listed below are just a few of our prime picks of probably the most deliciously depraved teen dramas and thrillers like Merciless Intentions.

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Jawbreaker (1999)

Jawbreaker has garnered its personal cult following through the years, regardless of not being well-received upon its preliminary launch. Impressed by Heathers, Jawbreaker follows three of the most well-liked ladies at Reagan Excessive after they inadvertently kill their greatest buddy with a jawbreaker in a kidnapping gone mistaken. Nevertheless, all the pieces hits the fan when the varsity loser discovers their soiled little secret. The movie is cruelly comedic, tossing morbid themes of homicide and sexual assault in with vibrant, candy-like colored outfits to create an exquisite juxtaposition. Candy on the surface, however laborious sufficient to crack a tooth.

Rose McGowan’s efficiency because the ruthless Courtney Shayne, chief of “The Flawless 4”, is completely iconic — Courtney walked so Regina George might run. Together with some quotable one-liners, unbelievable outfits and superior soundtrack, Jawbreaker is a hidden gem amongst teen thrillers. Study it, stay it, adore it!

American Magnificence (1999)

American Magnificence is a tragic, absurd, satirical, and questionable movie, but so achingly lovely and eye-opening. Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), an promoting government with a uninteresting, monotonous life, has a midlife disaster when he turns into infatuated together with his teenage daughter’s greatest buddy. This Oscar-winning movie has been categorised by many as a masterpiece, brimming with darkish wit and beautiful imagery.

Whereas the idea of American Magnificence appears to be merely about unusual folks on their unusual block residing unusual lives, the complexity and practical nature of every character makes it all of the extra compelling. The movie goes so much deeper into humanity and the grim actuality of life than Merciless Intentions, however it equally emulates the identical jolting-shock of darkish comedy and risque themes that basically push the envelope.

13 (2003)

Catherine Hardwicke’s directorial debit 13 focuses closely on teen angst and a controversially practical depiction of troubled adolescents. The movie follows thirteen-year-old honors-student Tracy (Evan Rachel Wooden) and her forays into medicine, intercourse, and petty crime upon assembly her in style however problematic buddy Evie (Nikki Reed). Alongside the women, we uncover (and possibly even relate) to the trials and tribulations they face of their transition into womanhood.

13 provides audiences a look into the darker facet of being a teen and continuously coping with all of the emotional and bodily issues that come together with peer stress, poisonous friendships, and psychological well being. Even when your adolescence wasn’t fairly as wild as Tracy’s, there’s at all times one thing to narrate to on this movie. 13 is uncooked, miserable but so actual to what many people have gone via as thirteen-year-olds.

Poison Ivy (1992)

Poison Ivy is a darkish and haunting erotic thriller about betrayal, exploitation and alienation. Ivy (Drew Barrymore), a Lolita-esque teen, befriends Sylvie (Sara Gilbert) , a rich however introverted scholar and turns into infatuated together with her snug house life. Utilizing her seductive allure, Ivy schemes her means into Sylvie and her household’s picture-perfect life. There’s a component of unhappiness inside this thriller, it appears to be extra about loneliness than eroticism.

Poison Ivy evokes an odd sense of morbid curiosity, simply to see what Ivy might probably do subsequent. The rating is hypnotic, each splendidly passionate and moody. Whereas the movie is a bit melodramatic and trashy, it’s positively a enjoyable watch, even when it’s simply to see a number of the unbelievable, iconic outfits worn by Barrymore.

The Crush (1993)

Starring ‘90s icon Alicia Silverstone, The Crush is one other Lolita impressed hidden gem of the teenager thriller style. Nick (Cary Elwes), a journalist residing in a visitor home of a rich couple, turns into the topic of their teenager daughter’s inappropriate infatuation. After he rejects her undesirable advances, the teenager, Adrian, units out to sabotage his life.

This movie is a little bit of a slow-burn in the beginning, however it pays off with some enjoyable thrills and motion afterward as Adrian begins to unravel. It’s gripping, obsessive and has a really plausible efficiency by Silverstone. Truthfully, you might even end up really feel a bit unhealthy for her, seeing as Nick does lead her on a good bit. Although, possibly not when you get to the wasp scene. All in all, The Crush is totally entertaining for what it’s.

Wild Issues (1998)

Wild Issues will ceaselessly be generally known as one of many nice, trashy crime thrillers of the ‘90s, with it’s all-star solid and gripping thriller. The movie follows police detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) as he investigates a attainable conspiracy after two highschool college students accuse their steerage counsellor of rape. There appears to be a twist round each nook on this movie, leaving us completely blindsided in relation to the surprising ending.

Whereas the movie is not any Fundamental Intuition, it’s definitely an exhilarating trip. There’s no pretending this movie is for something apart from pure leisure worth, however the plot continues to be nicely thought out and intriguing. Wild Issues is the type of movie the place each second you suppose you realize precisely how issues are going to play out, they alter it up with an sudden twist. There isn’t a single uninteresting second when watching the darkish and twisted Wild Issues.

Worry (1996)

Worry is one other movie which has since been labeled a cult basic, and it was truly Reese Witherspoon’s efficiency right here which led to her consideration of a task in Merciless Intentions. Nicole (Reese Witherspoon) is a candy suburban lady who falls in love with the seemingly excellent and charming David (Mark Wahlberg). Nevertheless, as David reveals a darker facet to him, rising possessive and obsessive about Nicole and their “excellent” relationship.

The movie’s producer, Brian Grazer, described Worry as “Fatal Attraction for teens.” The movie is deeply chilling and disturbing, serving as one thing of a cautionary story for younger ladies. The final half of the movie is very thrilling and positively scary. Although a bit tacky at occasions, the movie makes up for it in motion, leaving you hanging on the sting of your seat wanting extra.