Cleopatra's Second Husband (1998)

52% of critics liked it
(25 reviews)
24% of users liked it
(419 ratings)

Leaving for vacation, art photographer Robert (Hipp) and his controlling wife Hallie (Schram) leave their house to two house-sitters Zack (Kestner) and Sophie (Mitchell). Things take a turn when they return home and find that Zack and Sophie want to stay. A twisted erotic love triangle develops as… More Leaving for vacation, art photographer Robert (Hipp) and his controlling wife Hallie (Schram) leave their house to two house-sitters Zack (Kestner) and Sophie (Mitchell). Things take a turn when they return home and find that Zack and Sophie want to stay. A twisted erotic love triangle develops as this young married couple who've lost the passion in their relationship become involved with the sexy house sitters who won't leave...--© Indican

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Jon Reiss
Written By: Jon Reiss
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Apr 16, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Jul 30, 2002
Studio: Indican Pictures

Critic Reviews

Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
It's a bitter pill to swallow, featuring a quartet of unsympathetic characters and an unrelenting air of misanthropy.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
One of those potentially interesting movies that takes its sweet time getting to the point -- by which time many audience members will likely have bailed out or dozed off.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
The characters are so dislikable that not much seems to be at stake.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
A diabolically clever psychological suspense movie.
Mark Holcomb, Village Voice
Unlike its Hollywood kin ... this scene from the class gurgle has the courage of its convictions -- which are misanthropic enough to make Neil LaBute wince.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
For anyone who doesn't mind being exposed to something a little dark and unsettling, Cleopatra's Second Husband offers 90 minutes of intriguing cinema.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
It becomes a quite interesting tale of co-dependency, and the illusions of control people can construct in their lives.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A tough thriller to find enjoyable or completely satisfying no matter how well crafted the story is by writer-director Jon Reiss ...
Walter V. Addiego, San Francisco Examiner
A weakly performed rehash of master-slave role-reversal tales like The Servant.
Laura Clifford, Reeling Reviews
The story is so oddly executed that it frequently seems weird for weirdness' sake.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Paul Hipp ... garners no sympathy from the viewer as he allows, without reason, everyone to walk over his emotions and needs.
Bilge Ebiri, Citysearch
Jon Reiss's script has trouble finding its footing, and the plot progresses in awkward jerks.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The transition isn't as smooth as it might be, but Reiss ... pulls it off better than you might expect, and Robert's revenge is genuinely chilling.
Dave White, IFilm
Brutality, poison, torture and other rainy-day fun rules the day and makes this somewhat derivative film an unhinged, sicko treat to watch.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Illogical, unentertaining, and downright unappetizing, this is a miserable attempt at black comedy that succeeds in neither making us hate, love, nor even feel sorry for its mischief makers.
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
Shot in a house in an 18-day shoot, it still backs the wallop of a movie with much bigger stars and budget.