Malicious (1995 film)

Maliciousposter

Malicious is a 1995 American thriller film directed by Ian Corson and starring Molly Ringwald, John Vernon, and Patrick McGaw. The film revolves around a college baseball star who becomes the object of an obsessive attraction by a new transfer student with deadly consequences.

Plot

The story begins with Melissa Nelson (Molly Ringwald), a young woman who transfers to a new college, where she quickly becomes infatuated with Doug Gordon (Patrick McGaw), a star athlete. After Doug suffers an injury that jeopardizes his baseball career, Melissa seduces him, but Doug later tries to end the relationship. Melissa, however, is not willing to let him go that easily and her obsession takes a dangerous turn, leading to deadly consequences for those around them.

Cast

• Molly Ringwald as Melissa Nelson
• Patrick McGaw as Doug Gordon
• John Vernon as Coach
• Mimi Kuzyk as Joyce
• Sarah Lassez as Laura

Production

The film was directed by Ian Corson, marking his directorial debut. The screenplay was written by George Saunders. Filming locations included various colleges and surrounding areas, capturing the essence of a college campus and its environment.

Reception

Malicious received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Ringwald's performance as a departure from her typical roles in the 1980s, others criticized the film for its predictable plot and lack of originality. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of 1990s thriller cinema.

Themes and Analysis

The film explores themes of obsession, the dangers of unchecked desire, and the consequences of manipulation. Malicious delves into the psyche of an obsessed individual and the impact of their actions on themselves and others. It also examines the dynamics of power and control in relationships, highlighting how quickly situations can spiral out of control when one person refuses to respect the boundaries of another.

See Also

• Fatal Attraction
• Obsession
• Stalking
• Thriller films