To Die For

Watch To Die For

"All she wanted was a little attention"
  • R
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 46 min
  • 6.8  (52,104)
  • 86

To Die For is a dark comedy film from 1995 directed by Gus Van Sant, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard. The movie explores the ambitious and cunning character of Suzanne Stone Maretto, played by Nicole Kidman, who will stop at nothing to achieve her goal of becoming a famous TV personality. The story is presented as a mockumentary, with various characters giving interviews and offering their perspectives on Suzanne and the events unfolding around her. The film opens with the murder of a high school student named Jimmy, and the subsequent investigation into his death. It becomes clear that Suzanne is somehow involved, but the movie takes its time to reveal the details of what has happened and how she is connected to the crime.

Suzanne is a beautiful and charismatic woman who dreams of becoming a news anchor. She is married to Larry Maretto, played by Matt Dillon, who owns a restaurant and is content with his simple life. However, Suzanne sees Larry as a liability to her career aspirations and decides to plot his murder with the help of a trio of young men from Jimmy's school: Russell (Joaquin Phoenix), Lydia (Alison Folland), and Jimmy's own cousin, Derek (Casey Affleck).

As the plot develops, we see how manipulative and calculating Suzanne can be, using her charm and sexuality to get what she wants from the men in her life. She seduces Russell, who becomes obsessed with her, and convinces him to carry out the murder. Meanwhile, Suzanne continues to pursue her TV career, using her affiliation with Larry's restaurant as a way to get her foot in the door at a local cable TV station.

To Die For is a masterclass in dark comedy, as it manages to find humor in the most absurd and sinister situations. The script by Buck Henry is sharp and witty, with several memorable lines that will stick with you long after the movie is over. The performances are also top-notch, with Kidman in particular delivering a standout performance as the sociopathic Suzanne.

The movie also has a lot to say about the cult of celebrity and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve it. Suzanne's obsession with fame is a driving force throughout the film, and her delusions of grandeur become more and more pronounced as the story progresses. She is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone in order to move up the ranks and fulfill her ambition, including her own husband.

Overall, To Die For is an intriguing and engaging film that is both funny and disturbing in equal measure. It cleverly blends elements of satire, drama, and true crime to create a cinematic experience that is both fun and thought-provoking. With its strong cast, clever script, and stylish direction, it remains a standout movie in the oeuvre of Gus Van Sant and a must-watch for fans of dark comedy.

To Die For is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 86.

To Die For
Description
Where to Watch To Die For
To Die For is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent To Die For for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 46 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.8  (52,104)
  • Metascore
    86