Cutting Class

Cutting Class, released in 1989, is a horror-comedy film about the twisted world of high school and the deadly obsession that can arise out of it. Paula Carson, played by Jill Schoelen, is a beautiful and popular student who finds herself at the center of a love triangle between two of her classmates, Dwight "Buckman" Haning (played by Jonathan Gries) and Brian Woods (played by Roddy McDowall). Dwight, often referred to as a bad boy, is a charismatic and confident student who is immediately drawn to Paula's charm and beauty. Brian, on the other hand, has just been released from a mental hospital after being committed for the murder of his father, an event that occurred while Brian was still a teenager. Despite his troubled past, Brian presents himself as kind and genuinely in love with Paula, who is initially charmed by his sensitivity and vulnerability. However, Paula soon realizes that Brian's love for her is all-consuming and borders on obsession. As she finds herself torn between the two boys, more murders begin to occur, and the suspicion falls on Brian. Paula, along with her best friend, Tammy (played by Joanna Cassidy), begins to suspect that Dwight may be involved in the killings, but it's unclear whether his goal is to eliminate the competition or if he's simply taking matters into his own hands. As the body count rises, Paula starts to uncover more dark secrets about her classmates and their twisted relationships. She learns that Brian's past is more complex than initially met, and the motives behind his actions become increasingly unclear. The film takes a dark and satirical tone, ridiculing the shallowness and cruelty of high school social dynamics. At the same time, Cutting Class offers a critique of the American education system, particularly in its portrayal of the shallow, corrupt, and manipulative behavior of teachers. Brian's troubled past is a result of the negligence and lack of support from his family and school, which ultimately led to the tragic events that occurred. The film's climax is both shocking and disturbing, and the twist is skillfully executed to catch the viewer off guard. The conclusion raises more questions than answers, leaving the audience with a sense of unease and uncertainty. Overall, Cutting Class is a campy, horror-comedy film that explores the complexities of high school life and the darkness that lurks beneath its superficial surface. The film's cast is notable for its blend of established actors and relatively new talent. Jill Schoelen delivers a strong performance as the central character, Paula, and Jonathan Gries is charming as the charismatic Dwight. The real star, however, is Roddy McDowall, who brings a chilling intensity to his portrayal of Brian. His character's backstory and motivations are expertly handled, making his actions both plausible and unsettling. Cutting Class is a cult classic that continues to entertain and disturb audiences to this day. Its dark humor and critique of high school life make it a thought-provoking and memorable film. Despite its age, Cutting Class remains a relevant commentary on the darker aspects of adolescence, making it a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy. The film's exploration of complex themes and relationships is both unsettling and captivating, and its unexpected twist will keep viewers glued to the screen until the very end.