Set in a prestigious Washington university, the series follows half-siblings determined to safeguard their elite status. After a hazing incident threatens their power, they target the Vice President’s daughter. Featuring a fresh cast led by Sarah Catherine Hook and Zac Burgess, this adaptation of the classic film “Cruel Intentions” explores themes of manipulation and privilege with a modern twist. With eight binge-worthy episodes, it addresses contemporary issues like campus culture while evoking nostalgia for the original.
Overview of the Series
Set within the esteemed walls of a university in Washington, the series follows two ambitious students—half-siblings who will stop at nothing to maintain their elite status. When a violent hazing incident jeopardizes the university’s reputation, their desperate measures to protect their power lead them to target the daughter of the Vice President of the United States, showcasing their willingness to manipulate any situation for their benefit.
Cast of Talents
The series Cruel Intentions shines a spotlight on fresh faces in its lead roles. Notable among them is Sarah Catherine Hook, recognized for her performances in Conjuring 3 and First Kill, and who will soon appear in the upcoming season 3 of The White Lotus.
Joining her are Zac Burgess, known for his work in The Boy and the Universe alongside Travis Fimmel, and Savannah Lee Smith, who gained attention in the Gossip Girl reboot.
The ensemble cast also features John Harlan Kim (9-1-1, The Last Thing He Told Me), Khobe Clarke (Yellowjackets), Brooke Lena Johnson (The Intruders), Sara Silva, and Sean Patrick Thomas, who makes a surprising return to the series in a different role after his appearance in the original film.
Is It Worth Your Time?
Twenty-five years ago, audiences were captivated by the iconic film Cruel Intentions, which showcased the unforgettable performances of stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Philippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair. This film reimagined the classic novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos De Laclos, and became a defining piece of cinema for the 2000s youth.
Now, the series seeks to breathe new life into this beloved story, but it faces the monumental challenge of living up to the original’s legacy.
A New Teen Series with Nostalgic Shadows
The adaptation crafted by Sarah Goodman (Gossip Girl, I Know What You Did Last Summer) and Phoebe Fisher (I Know What You Did Last Summer) draws heavily from the 1999 classic, with strikingly familiar plot points and character archetypes, albeit with different names.
We witness Caroline (Katheryn) daring Lucien (Sebastian) to charm the new student Annie (Annette), with the promise of a night of passion as the prize; Caroline’s cross necklace cleverly conceals cocaine; Lucien’s numerous romantic escapades, including one with a therapist; intimate moments by the pool; a gay character reveling in his secret affairs; and even a practice kiss between two women.
The series openly embraces its inspirations, featuring modern renditions of the original film’s iconic tracks like Every You, Every Me by Placebo and Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve to enhance its storytelling.
While the series may feel overshadowed by the cult classic it references, it aims to engage a fresh audience that may not be familiar with the original film or the source material.
Contemporary Themes and Aesthetic
This new interpretation showcases a cast of manipulative, cruel, yet emotionally intricate characters that are sure to resonate with fans of contemporary young adult dramas. Embracing a vibrant and pop-inspired aesthetic, the series features captivating performances and numerous plot twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Straddling the line between shows like Maxton Hall and Tell Me Lies, this iteration of Cruel Intentions promises to deliver addictive entertainment, though it may leave some die-hard fans of the film feeling conflicted at times.
With a nostalgic undertone, the series is perfect for binge-watching, comprised of just 8 episodes that are sure to fly by.
While Cruel Intentions fits seamlessly into the current trend of teen dramas flourishing on streaming platforms, it also touches on pressing social issues, albeit in a somewhat superficial manner, such as campus sexual culture, bullying, and the power dynamics prevalent in Greek life.
Catch the series ‘Cruel Intentions’ now streaming on Prime Video.