Netflix is presently showcasing a captivating cult classic, celebrated as one of the most creative reinterpretations of a traditional novel ever produced.

The popular erotic thriller was introduced to the platform on Friday (20th February), making it an ideal finale for your weekend viewing schedule.

Featuring a stellar ensemble of Hollywood legends, Cruel Intentions remains a standout film from the 1990s, nearly three decades after its initial release.

The 1999 blockbuster features Ryan Phillippe as Sebastian Valmont, a notorious teenage lothario who is dared by his equally scheming stepsister Kathryn Merteuil (portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar) to seduce Annette Hargrove (Reese Witherspoon), the daughter of their school’s new headmaster.

Loosely adapted and updated from the classic French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, which was transformed into the Hollywood film Dangerous Liaisons 11 years prior, Cruel Intentions has cultivated a fervent cult following despite its mixed reception upon release.

Whilst it currently holds just a 54 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences are much more favourable towards the film, awarding it 80 percent.

Fans have continued to sing its praises over the years, with numerous 10/10 reviews on IMDb insisting it’s a must-see. One viewer exclaimed: “Must see! Defines a generation!

“Fab cast and very compelling plot. Def a cult classic and a big reflection of the 90s level of talent young actors had. Must see!”

Another enthused: “CRUEL INTENTIONS, in my opinion, is an excellent teen flick which will have you feeling good from start to finish.

“This is my favourite film of all time. The storyline is a breath of fresh air, not only powerful but so detailed that you really believe this is a true story,” a further viewer gushed.

A fellow cinema enthusiast concurred: “This is my favorite movie ever. Something about the plot just hit me and moved me so much and the ending was just perfect… and I mean that.

“I am gen z and I love this 90s movie, they don’t make movies like this one anymore, for sure!”

The acclaim extended to Letterboxd, where one critic commented: “I don’t think I’ve ever used this term before, but I would characterize Cruel Intentions as a flawed masterpiece.

“It’s based on some pretty sensational source material called Les Liaiasons Dangereuses, which has been adapted for the screen many times over. This is by far my favorite film adaptation of that book and one of my favorites films of all time.

“Cruel Intentions is hysterically funny, dark, witty, and ironic. I can now quote the entire thing I’ve seen it so many times! And that ending is so poignant and uplifting. I’m tearing up just thinking about it.

“Those last ten minutes with bitter sweet symphony changed my entire life and i’m so serious,” another viewer commented, whilst a further fan declared the film possesses “the best ending of all time”.

Fancy an alluring and provocative viewing experience this weekend? Netflix has the answer.

Cruel Intentions is available to stream on Netflix. 

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