Cruel Intentions (2024)

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.