To Die For

Synopsis

In To Die For, Nicole Kidman delivers a standout performance as Suzanne Stone, an obsessive and ambitious woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her dream of becoming a news anchor. Set in a small town, the film portrays her manipulative nature as she orchestrates a plan to make herself a media sensation. The story unfolds with dark humor as Suzanne seduces a local teenager and enlists him into her twisted plot to eliminate her husband, who stands in the way of her aspirations. The narrative explores themes of ambition, media influence, and the lengths one would go for fame. With a sharp script by Gus Van Sant and a compelling performance by Kidman, the film offers a critique of the American obsession with celebrity and the brutal lengths individuals will reach to attain their fifteen minutes of fame. It captures the essence of the 1990s media culture while providing a thrilling and caustic commentary on fame and moral corruption.

Cast

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  Nicole Kidman

  Suzanne Stone

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  Matt Dillon

  Larry Maretto

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  Joaquin Phoenix

  Jimmy Emmett

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  Casey Affleck

  Russel Hines

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  Illeana Douglas

  Janice Maretto

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  Alison Folland

  Lydia Mertz

Reviews

Critics have largely praised To Die For for its satirical take on fame and ambition, marking a high point in Nicole Kidman's early career. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 88%, with the consensus noting that Kidman 'gives a bold and comedic performance that is perfectly attuned to the film's wickedly dark humor.' On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.8/10, reflecting a mixed but generally positive audience reception. Metacritic offers even more insight, providing a score of 86/100, indicating 'universal acclaim.' The New York Times described Suzanne Stone’s character as 'the epitome of ambition gone awry', emphasizing how Kidman's portrayal encapsulates both charm and menace. Furthermore, Variety hailed the film as 'an entertainingly twisted tale that goes to unexpected places,' showcasing the uniqueness of its narrative. While some critics have noted the film's pacing could be uneven at times, the overwhelming response highlights Kidman's remarkable ability to anchor the film as well as the effective direction by Gus Van Sant. Overall, 'To Die For' stands out for its sharp commentary and memorable performances.