Hard Candy

Synopsis

Hard Candy is a psychological thriller film that follows the unsettling encounter between a teenage girl named Hayley, played by Elliot Page, and a photographer named Jeff. What begins as a seemingly innocent online chat turns into a high-stakes game of manipulation and power dynamics. As the night unfolds, the roles of predator and prey shift, blurring the lines of right and wrong. With intense performances and a gripping narrative, the film explores themes of revenge, justice, and morality in a thought-provoking way. Directed by David Slade, Hard Candy challenges viewers to question their assumptions and confront the darker aspects of human nature.

Cast

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  Elliot Page

  Hayley Stark

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  Patrick Wilson

  Jeff Kohlver

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  Sandra Oh

  Judy Tokuda

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  Odessa Rae

  Janelle Rogers

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  G.J. Echternkamp

  Nighthawks Clerk

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  Cori Bright

  Girl in Nighthawks (uncredited)

Reviews

Critics have praised Hard Candy for its gripping storytelling and powerful performances. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 67%, with the consensus stating that the film is 'a tense and effective psychological thriller'. IMDb rates it 7.0/10, highlighting the film's ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Metacritic scores Hard Candy at 58/100, acknowledging its raw intensity and thought-provoking themes. The New York Times hails the film as 'a disturbing thriller that will leave you breathless', while Variety describes it as 'a chilling exploration of morality and manipulation'. Overall, Hard Candy has garnered a mix of positive and critical acclaim, with its bold approach to challenging societal norms and expectations.