Single White Female
Plot
In the psychological thriller Single White Female, attractive Manhattanite Allison Jones (Bridget Fonda) appears to have it all: a handsome beau, a rent-controlled apartment, and a promising career as a fashion designer. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when boyfriend Sam (Stephen Williams) proves unfaithful, leaving Allison feeling betrayed and vulnerable. In an attempt to cope with her emotions, Allison answers an ad for a roommate from Erica Bloom (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a seemingly friendly and charming woman who is struggling to get back on her feet. Despite initial reservations, Allison agrees to take in Erica as her new roommate, unaware of the dark and sinister intentions that lie beneath Erica's charming facade. As Erica settles into their Manhattan apartment, she begins to emulate Allison's mannerisms, style, and even her relationships. At first, Allison is amused by Erica's quirky behavior, but soon she starts to feel uneasy and intimidated by Erica's increasingly obsessive and controlling nature. It becomes clear that Erica has a deep-seated psychological need for validation and attention, which drives her to adopt Allison's identity and attempt to supplant her in every aspect of her life. As the tension between the two women escalates, Allison finds herself trapped in a desperate struggle for survival. She must confront the sinister reality that Erica is not just mimicking her behavior but also manipulating her relationships and even her own sense of self. As Allison's grip on reality begins to slip, she realizes that she must take drastic measures to stop Erica's downward spiral before it's too late. With its clever plot twists, sharp dialogue, and outstanding performances from Fonda and Leigh, Single White Female is a gripping exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the blurred lines between identity and reality.
Reviews
Mark
Miss Fonda has always been both delicate and beautiful.
Peter
Love a good classic!
Eva
After all the mysterious buildup, I thought there would be some ingenious plot twists, but it's just a twisted roommate doing some hysterical things, largely provoked by the main character. The main character isn't exactly a saint either, with that unloving face. She acts rashly and impulsively. I almost wish the roommate had finished her off. It's nowhere near the depth of something like "Misery." And everyone in the movie seems brain-dead, talking, spying, and rummaging around as if no one else is there.
Journey
I think Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh were two of the more charming actresses of that era in Hollywood, but it's quite impressive that JJL could portray someone so twisted here. Bridget, on the other hand, is perfectly cast as the "older sister" type. The score is by Howard Shore, so of course it's not pure thriller – it has that melancholic, almost tragic, sapphic undercurrent.
Sadie
Seriously? "The Roommate" has the audacity to claim it's not a remake? It's practically a shot-for-shot ripoff of "Single White Female," but without the major bonus of Brigitte Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh's substantial nudity.
Lorenzo
This film delves into the complexities of a woman’s psyche when love turns to betrayal, highlighting how easily human nature can lead us down a dark path.