Single White Female (1992)
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56% of critics liked it
(39 reviews) -
49% of users liked it
(38,537 ratings)
In this psychological thriller, a needy young woman finds fulfillment by trying to literally become her successful roommate. Attractive Manhattanite Allison Jones (Bridget Fonda) has it all: a handsome beau, a rent-controlled apartment, and a promising career as a fashion designer. When boyfriend… More In this psychological thriller, a needy young woman finds fulfillment by trying to literally become her successful roommate. Attractive Manhattanite Allison Jones (Bridget Fonda) has it all: a handsome beau, a rent-controlled apartment, and a promising career as a fashion designer. When boyfriend Sam (Steven Weber) proves unfaithful, Allison strikes out on her own but must use the classifieds to seek out a roommate in order to keep her spacious digs. In steps Hedra Carlson (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who's timid and frumpy but puppy-dog sweet. The self-centered Allison finds Hedra's eager friendship flattering, but soon she grows annoyed as Hedra begins emulating everything about her. After Allison gets back with Sam and asks Hedra to please vacate the premises, the pert beauty really gets to see her weird new roomie's bad side -- Hedra, it seems, is downright homicidal. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, who wowed Hollywood with Barfly and Reversal of Fortune. Single White Female was the second screenplay from future Opposite of Sex director Don Roos. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi
- Directed By
- Barbet Schroeder
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
- In Theaters
- Aug 14, 1992 Wide
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
There's something dehumanizing about 90s horror thrillers that all but defeats the film's impulses toward seriousness; no matter how much the filmmakers work to make the characters real, the genre contrives to turn them into functions and props.
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Todd McCarthy, Variety
Despite excellent lead performances and numerous memorable scenes, this still feels like two different movies in one.
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Derek Adams, Time Out
If his two leads are adequate to the slick mechanisms of a formulaic thriller, neither they nor Don Roos' script (based on the novel by John Lutz) offer any original insights into insatiable emotional dependence.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
The film is smooth, entertaining and believably sophisticated. It has far more sound psychological underpinnings than other movies of its type.
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Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Schroeder goes through the motions -- the movie is elegantly made -- but this synthetic Hollywood package panders shamelessly to the baser instincts.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Bridget Fonda
as Allison Jones
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Jennifer Jason Leigh
as Hedra Carlson
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Steven Weber
as Sam Rawson
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Peter Friedman
as Graham Knox
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Stephen Tobolowsky
as Mitchell Myerson
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Frances Bay
as Elderly Neighbor
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Ron Athey
as Bartender
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Kaaren Boothroyd
as Bookstore Customer
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Amelia Campbell
as Check Cashier
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Christiana Capetillo
as Exotic Applicant
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Michael James Collins
as Cashier Manager
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Renee Estevez
as Perfect Applicant
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Michele Farr
as Myerson's Assistant
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George Gerdes
as Super
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Tara Karsian
as Mannish Applicant
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Jessica Lundy
as Talkative Applicant
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Tiffany Mataras
as Twin
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Jerry Mayer
as News Vendor
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Eric Poppick
as Nosy Neighbor
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Leslie A. Sank
as Woman in Club
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Robert Steinberg
as Hedy's Date
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Kim Sykes
as TV Reporter
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Kenneth Tobey
as Desk Clerk
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Jack Wilson
as Man in Cage
