Released in 1998, “Wild Things,” directed by John McNaughton, is a steamy neo-noir film filled with suspense, eroticism, and mind games. While it may appear to be a typical 1990s erotic thriller with attractive actors and scandalous scenes, it is a well-crafted mystery that constantly shifts the viewer’s perception.
The film features an all-star cast: Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, and Kevin Bacon. It plays out as a modern update of classic noir tropes, infused with a generous and ridiculous dose of the 1990s. “Wild Things” is notorious for its scandalous scenes and plot twists, but its true gem lies in how it weaponizes viewers’ expectations of the genre, drawing them into a lavish tale of deception.
Plot Summary
The film is set in the fictional, upscale community of Blue Bay, Florida, focusing on a high school guidance counselor, Sam Lombardo, played by Matt Dillon. He is embroiled in a scandal as he’s well-liked in the community. Sam’s life is turned upside-down when he gets accused of rape by a wealthy student named Kelly Van Ryan, played by Denise Richards.
Things escalate when another student, the troubled and working-class Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell), comes forward with a similar allegation. With his reputation and career in shambles and a lawsuit against him, Sam decides to hire attorney Kenneth Bowden (Bill Murray). Although the odds are against him, he agrees to take the case.
During the trial, however, Suzie suddenly retracts her statement, and it comes to light that the two girls Sam’s students conspired to frame him. All charges are dropped, and Sam walks away a sizeable financial settlement. What is initially thought to be the conclusion of the drama is in fact, just the beginning.
As events unfold, it is revealed that all four are in on it. Sam, Kelly, and Suzie conspired with the intention of defaming blame Kelly’s family in hopes of extorting a false allegation to receive money. But no sooner than they begin to live lavishly does a cloud of suspicion set in. Detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) begins further digging, feeling that the tale goes beyond just a legal con.
From this point, the rest of the movie unfolds into a wild sequence of backstabbing, complex scheme after complex scheme and betrayal. Characters are killed off, alliances are broken and remade, and the audience is continuously left in suspension to the ultimate question of whodunnit. Ultimately, even the concept of death comes into question.
Themes and Subtext
In Wild Things, one of the most important things to notice is the theme of deception over the characters and the film itself. The audience is also deceived. The plot goes to great lengths to ensure everything is misleading, also providing false climaxes and “final” reveals that are later turned on their heads. This further highlights the idea of peeling away layers of truth. Instead of a conventional film, the audience is treated to an experience like an elaborate and intricate puzzle where the image shifts as each piece is added.
Another major theme that deserves attention is the class and power and their dynamic. Kelly is married into a world of wealth and status, while Suzie is from the wrong side of the tracks. She is an outcast and tries to establish herself in society. The duo’s relationship with Sam showcases the desire, greed, and ambition, which is quintessential of an entire class. They romanticize and stereotype the use of sexuality.
Sexuality is a global theme in the film and is often put on display in an exploitative manner. However, hidden under the surface, a commentary on sexuality, sexual identity and desire as systemic power and a form of manipulation is offered. The film dives into bisexuality, same sex relationships and seducing in a manner that is rare for cinema. Although the exploration of those topics seems daring, the film often wades into the shallows of sensationalism.
Performances and Characters
As the character of Sam Lombardo in the film, Matt Dillon strikes the right balance of charm and ambiguity in his performance. While he is first shown as the wronged figure, he ultimately sheds any redeeming qualities to adopt a more sinister, fantasy opportunistic persona.
Denise Richards’ portrayal of Kelly Van Ryan is memorable for many reasons. The character’s seductive cunning, mixed with bratty arrogance, made the role “iconic.” The pool scene with Neve Campbell is one of the most memorable parts of cinema for women in the 90s.
As Suzie Toller, Neve Campbell gives a surprisingly gritty and layered performance. Though she outwardly takes the role of a seemingly passive victim, she is, in fact, the most calculating and twisted of the group.
Detective Duquette is played by Kevin Bacon. He brings a gritty, suspicious energy to the role. While his pursuit of the truth adds to the tension, he also becomes part of the suspicion as the story unfolds.
Bill Murray, in one of the film’s most interesting casting choices, provides comic relief and wit as Sam’s scrappy lawyer. His quirky charm contrasts the more serious parts of the film, providing the story with moments of levity amidst the chaos.
Direction and Style
In contrast to the more mainstream films competing for viewers’ attention in the early 90s, John McNaughton’s brutally gruesome films like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, earned him a prominent place in the film industry. He brought a more sharp, satirical style to Wild Things, a style that is distinctly unique on its own. McNaughton does not shy away from the campy, erotic, and sensationalistic elements of the genre, and at the same time, he undoes them. The film is thoroughly self-aware, and it often flirts with the viewers’ expectations in a way that is both mischievous and playful.
The alluring Florida location offers a steaming and vivid shot for the exotic tropical narrative. The cinematography is infused with a glossy and sun-drenched style that is striking in comparison to the rot and decay of morals and manipulation that lies below the surface. The mirrors, glass, and water imagery used in the movie reinforces the themes of reflection, duality, and concealment.
The seductive and mysterious tones of the movie are given more life by the score composed by George S. Clinton. The score intensifies the mysterious and seductive tones of the movie during key plot points and increases tension without burying the narrative.
Critical Reception and Legacy
After its release, the movie Wild Things saw a varied reception. It seemed like the movie was receiving mixed reviews from critics and people were hailing it as a piece of trash without attempting to look below the surface of things. Over the years, people started hailing it for its clever puzzle and satirical approach with that the movie seemed to defy its apparent expectations. The movie Wild Things got its recognition and a unique status as a genre defying movie.
The film is noted for erotic thrillers crafted for mainstream audiences and for controversial scenes that push boundaries. Films like Cruel Intentions, Basic Instinct, and Body Heat are often compared with it, but it arguably surpasses them all in sheer audacity and plot complexity.
Moreover, its closing credits are often cited as reeling in audience members long after the film has ended. These moments reframing the entire narrative rebuild the entire story from lust and betrayal to one of genius vengeance.
Now, these direct-to-video sequels do stem from the film’s commercial appeal and success, however, none of them meet the impact of the original.
Conclusion
This blend of erotic thriller, social satire, and crime mystery results in one unique surge of cinematic moments. Viewers are captivated by provocative imagery but the cunning narrate keeps them yearning for more. Through the hands of its intelligent directors and an astounding cast, the film pulls viewers deep into its world.
The stylish direction, intricate plot, and outrageously perverse performances have made Wild Things one of the defining films of genre cinema in the late 90s. Wild Things is a funny, smart, and sexy film filled with charm and boldness.
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