A quarter-century after the cult classic "Cruel Intentions" hit the big screen, Sony Pictures TV and Prime Video are unveiling a television adaptation of the infamous film. Crafted by Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman, this contemporary iteration pits two hostile step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess), against each other. Intent on securing Greek life survival at their university, they conspire to manipulate fresh-faced Annie Grover (Savannah Lee Smith), who happens to be the daughter of the US vice president. However, despite ticking all the boxes of the original storyline, the series lacks the unique appeal and simmering danger that rendered the film's main characters captivating.
Given Hollywood's predilection for reviving renowned classics, the return of "Cruel Intentions" was perhaps inevitable. Yet, in the period following the #MeToo movement, the narrative loses some of its original allure. The series commences with a new academic year at the picturesque Manchester College, where fraternities and sororities are treading on thin ice due to a previous semester's hazing incident. Reluctant to accept probation, Caroline executes audacious strategies to ensure her presidency at Delta Phi and subsequently preserve its future at Manchester. Leveraging her stepbrother, Lucien, to charm and convince the innocent Annie to join Delta is part of her intricately designed game plan. If Lucien successfully recruits Annie, he earns a reward he's always sought after: a night with Caroline. Failure to do so will see him lose his prized vintage Jaguar XK140.
In the season's opening episode, "Alpha," Annie's arrival on campus is met with jubilation. Amid grappling with the ever-present Secret Service and her quest for belonging, she encounters Lucien time and again. Although immediately wary of his intentions, Annie finds herself being gradually sucked into the scheming step-siblings' world. Yet, a growing sense of discomfort around the pair is inescapable.
Unfortunately, the modern "Cruel Intentions" fails to present anything fresh, enticing or sultry, other than a soundtrack punctuated with Olivia Rodrigo's chart-toppers. A narrative revolving around Greek life's downsides feels as antiquated as the early 2000s patent-leather platform stilettos Caroline dons daily. Furthermore, the menacing allure that made Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe's characters outstanding in the film is absent in this version; neither Lucien nor Caroline emanate a threatening aura effectively. Even the most intriguing character, CeCe Carroway (Sara Silva), is sidelined with a rehashed plotline with Professor Hank Chadwick (Sean Patrick Thomas).
With eight episodes, "Cruel Intentions" moves briskly, yet many parts feel contrived. The challenge for reboots is to offer something contemporary and appealing to draw in both old fans and new viewers, a hurdle that "Cruel Intentions" seems to stumble over. While other shows focusing on young adults like "The Sex Lives of College Girls" succeed by resonating with a specific generation, this series is a tedious retelling of a past story that doesn't translate aptly in the present context. The "Cruel Intentions" series premieres on Nov. 21 on Prime Video.
