Synopsis: A deep-dive reimagining of the classic 80’s thriller, exploring timeless themes of marriage and infidelity through the lens of modern attitudes toward strong women, personality disorders, and coercive control.
Creators: Kevin J. Hynes, Alexandra Cunningham
Stars: Alyssa Jirrels, Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson
Review: It looks like everyone is going nuts for some steamy thriller action these days. Criterion just dropped a whole bunch of classic flicks that explore the risks of getting freaky, especially when it involves cheating on your partner.
And let’s not forget the podcast and article features on the same theme, plus that Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas disaster called Deep Water.
But the OG erotic thriller that set the stage for all of ’em? That’s gotta be Fatal Attraction, baby. Now, I know what you’re thinking: why mess with a good thing? But apparently, Paramount+ thought it’d be a good idea to turn the flick into an eight-episode series. And, well, let’s just say it doesn’t quite hit the same way in 2023.
We’re not content with just scantily clad characters and cheesy messages anymore, people! We want substance, dammit! The thing that made Fatal Attraction work back in ’87 was that it took a normal dude (Michael Douglas) and flipped his life upside down when he got caught up in an affair with the wild and unpredictable Alex Forrest (Glenn Close).
The TV version of the series “Fatal Attraction” attempts to balance affair blame and gives Alex a past, and touches upon her mental health, which somewhat explains her behavior. However, it is not a straight-up examination of mental illness. It’s ‘Fatal Attraction’, which is a very fun ride…
What it is, is a full take on how we, as audience members, have changed. The series explores the character’s thought processes and shows everyone’s angle on what happens.
Amanda Peet and Alyssa Jirrels tease Beth and Ellen’s relationships with Dan after he’s released from prison for Alex Forrest’s murder.
The series has received mixed reviews. Some critics have found it irritating and that it doesn’t come close to the original with its series, while others have praised it for delving deep into why a relationship turned toxic
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