72 reviews
Morbid, intriguing, trashy.
It would be the easiest thing to simply dismiss this film as yet another sleazy erotic melodrama (which it undoubtedly is), but the result is too intriguing, and too offbeat, to be ignored. Although this film will disappoint those who are expecting a well-made thriller or even an explicitly erotic movie because it's tame and practically suspenseless, it has an air of weirdness and morbidity that places it slightly above most of the run-of-the-mill entries in this genre. The performances are mostly one-note but convincing enough. Visually, it's a grim, underproduced film, but it does have a "special" atmosphere.
"Lolita" in the '90s
Nabokov's Lolita used the affections of a fawning, elderly man (her stepfather) for her own purposes--which never amounted to much more than sex and cash. It only figures that today's Lolita would be dressed to kill, literally. As Drew Barrymore plays her here, she's a sexy homicidal figure with maternal delusions. "Poison Ivy" begins rather endearingly, with high school outcast Sara Gilbert (looking like the modern equivalent of a teen beatnik) befriended by a striking blonde student with lots o' leg and a fake tattoo. This wanton woman-child has no name; Gilbert calls her "Ivy" and Barrymore likes that ("It gives me the opportunity to start over," she says). The tone of the picture shifts however before the midway point, with Ivy infiltrating Gilbert's dysfunctional household and seducing dad Tom Skerritt (doing terrific work). Gilbert's narration--and the surreal jumble which becomes the hectic climax--is rather off-putting, but there's a great deal of worth in Barrymore's solid performance. The film is stylish on a low-budget and is actually steamier than "Nine 1/2 Weeks". Yet, it's really two different pictures struggling within the context of one. A stronger screenplay might've brought the two halves together, although, as the director, Katt Shea Ruben manages to come up with a commendable amount of incidents both amusing and titillating. ** from ****
- moonspinner55
- Jun 28, 2001
- Permalink
Body language speaks wonders.
Drew Barrymore plays Ivy a Lolita-like teen that gradually moves in with a shy reclusive classmate Sylvie(Sara Gilbert)and the presence of the streetwise Ivy starts a chain reaction of mixed emotions. Sylvie's self destructive mother(Cheryl Ladd)is jealous of her husband's(Tom Skerritt) reaction to Ivy's seductive ways. Soon he is hooked and can't get enough of the perverse teen. Questions arise concerning the death of Sylvie's mother about the time Sylvie realizes what is going on between her father and Ivy.
My favorite scene is the sultry love making in the rain on the car hood. It is hard to tell who is seducing who. The 17 year old Barrymore is hypnotic. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Kudos to Katt Shea for directing this erotic thriller. Note: Look for a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
My favorite scene is the sultry love making in the rain on the car hood. It is hard to tell who is seducing who. The 17 year old Barrymore is hypnotic. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Kudos to Katt Shea for directing this erotic thriller. Note: Look for a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
- michaelRokeefe
- Apr 26, 2004
- Permalink
Better than it should be
By all rights this should have been yet another R-rated sex and violence flick about a piece of immoral jailbait having her wicked way with everyone around her, but the directing and acting are good enough to make it more effective than most, even touching. The atmosphere is almost haunting, and the relationships between the characters (especially the two teenage girl leads) are well developed enough to hold your interest.
Sara Gilbert gives the film a sympathetic center, she's excellent as a bright, likeable high school girl who finds herself in far over her head when she befriends poor little bad girl Drew Barrymore. Her misery and frustration as Barrymore takes over her family, her life, even her dog are moving enough to make the flimsy story work. Barrymore wasn't much of an actress at that age (still isn't, in my opinion), but she's very effective nonetheless. She doesn't need to act, she needs to do what she does, look sexy. Really, really sexy, like it's all she ever thinks about. Cheryl Ladd also does surprisingly well as Gilbert's slowly dying mother.
The movie also has moments of an almost haunting quality. The score is lovely, alternately passionate and strangely moody, and gives the film enough emotional intensity to make me forgive its many flaws. Even Barrymore kissing Gilbert. Eeeew.
Sara Gilbert gives the film a sympathetic center, she's excellent as a bright, likeable high school girl who finds herself in far over her head when she befriends poor little bad girl Drew Barrymore. Her misery and frustration as Barrymore takes over her family, her life, even her dog are moving enough to make the flimsy story work. Barrymore wasn't much of an actress at that age (still isn't, in my opinion), but she's very effective nonetheless. She doesn't need to act, she needs to do what she does, look sexy. Really, really sexy, like it's all she ever thinks about. Cheryl Ladd also does surprisingly well as Gilbert's slowly dying mother.
The movie also has moments of an almost haunting quality. The score is lovely, alternately passionate and strangely moody, and gives the film enough emotional intensity to make me forgive its many flaws. Even Barrymore kissing Gilbert. Eeeew.
Does not deliver on any promises
This film, claimed to be a "Basic Instinct" meets "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle", is a big disappointment. There is no real storyline evident, just an idea that seems to have been given about fifteen minutes work. This is a Virginia Andrews style plot, but it just does not work. Not only is it incoherent, it jumps from one episode to the next and never pieces itself together or finds direction. And the characters are poorly developed, leaving the viewer caring less about what happens to them.
Barrymore is watchable, but the film is a tease as it doesn't deliver the promised sensuality.
Friday, August 14, 1992 - Village Centre Melbourne
Barrymore is watchable, but the film is a tease as it doesn't deliver the promised sensuality.
Friday, August 14, 1992 - Village Centre Melbourne
So '90s it hurts.
First, I have to say that I seriously enjoyed this film. These 90s dark twisted thrillers are extremely appealing to me. I was mesmerized by Drew Barrymore's character. From the minute she appears you sort of intuit that she has ulterior motives for every little thing she does until it becomes obvious what her intentions really are. I was fascinated by her performance, because you don't usually get to see her play these type of characters and she does it incredibly well. I kept thinking about her character in Never Been Kissed, reflecting on her abilities to interpret such polar opposites. She completely steals the film with her intoxicating and sensual presence, spreading her poison all across the other characters, who at first are clearly charmed by her bewitching personality.
I was rather surprised by some of the sex scenes involved, I was not expecting them to have such an explicit tone, but I assume that is to shock viewers and to show how far Ivy was willing to go to get what she wanted. Sara Gilbert and Tom Skerritt played their parts really well, adding even more depth to Barrymore's own performance.
I loved the ending, it was a satisfying conclusion and it made me want to watch the other Poison Ivy entries, but somehow I doubt they will match the rather morbid intensity and sinister atmosphere of this one.
I was rather surprised by some of the sex scenes involved, I was not expecting them to have such an explicit tone, but I assume that is to shock viewers and to show how far Ivy was willing to go to get what she wanted. Sara Gilbert and Tom Skerritt played their parts really well, adding even more depth to Barrymore's own performance.
I loved the ending, it was a satisfying conclusion and it made me want to watch the other Poison Ivy entries, but somehow I doubt they will match the rather morbid intensity and sinister atmosphere of this one.
- patriciogl10
- Oct 30, 2019
- Permalink
Tiresome thriller
I didn't go into this film with any high hopes; all I wanted was an enjoyable thriller, but unfortunately this film falls just short of that mark. The film takes obvious influence from any number of films revolving around a callous interloper gaining a family's trust before showing their true colours - but this one doesn't work well, principally because the characters are not believable and most of the action is boring. Most of the film feels like a soap opera anyway and is more tiresome than thrilling. The story focuses on Ivy; a 'free spirit' scholarship student living with her aunt. She meets Sylvie Cooper; a weird friendless kid with rich parents and a big house. Ivy and Sylvie become friends and eventually this leads to Ivy staying in Sylvie's house with her parents - her dad, a wealthy TV presenter and her mother who is sick. However, it soon becomes apparent that Ivy has alternative motives and begins scheming her way into each family member's lives.
The film somehow manages to be predictable and pointless. It's generally obvious what is going to happen way before it does, and yet the film doesn't really seem to have anywhere to go. The central character is far too ambiguous also and her motives don't have any grounding, which makes the film difficult to get on with. Drew Barrymore gives a sketchy performance in the lead role; at times she is effective, but at others she looks embarrassed with the clunky script that does the film no favours. She stars opposite Sara Gilbert; who is weird enough to make her role believable and Tom Skeritt, who gives a decent performance. The film uses a narrator for much of the duration and that plot device really just sums the lazy writing of this film up. The final nail in the coffin for me was the way that most of the focus is put on Ivy and the father character as this results in lots of tedium. The only time the film ever really approaches some interest is when it focuses on the relationship between the girls, and that is not exactly fascinating. There are plenty of films like this one that are much better than this one; meaning bothering with Poison Ivy is pointless.
The film somehow manages to be predictable and pointless. It's generally obvious what is going to happen way before it does, and yet the film doesn't really seem to have anywhere to go. The central character is far too ambiguous also and her motives don't have any grounding, which makes the film difficult to get on with. Drew Barrymore gives a sketchy performance in the lead role; at times she is effective, but at others she looks embarrassed with the clunky script that does the film no favours. She stars opposite Sara Gilbert; who is weird enough to make her role believable and Tom Skeritt, who gives a decent performance. The film uses a narrator for much of the duration and that plot device really just sums the lazy writing of this film up. The final nail in the coffin for me was the way that most of the focus is put on Ivy and the father character as this results in lots of tedium. The only time the film ever really approaches some interest is when it focuses on the relationship between the girls, and that is not exactly fascinating. There are plenty of films like this one that are much better than this one; meaning bothering with Poison Ivy is pointless.
Barrymore goes softcore.
- DigitalRevenantX7
- Aug 9, 2015
- Permalink
Is Drew worth an ocean of calamine lotion?
- DennisLittrell
- Apr 18, 2000
- Permalink
alright if you catch it in the right mood
Drew Barrymore plays a nameless teenage seductress given the nickname of 'Ivy' who moves in with lonely, sexually confused adopted Sylvie Cooper (Sara Gilbert of "Roseanne" fame) and her family. It isn't long before she's seducing Sylvie's father (Tom Skerritt), much to the chagrin of Sylvie. Barrymore is pretty good in this, and it was nice seeing her pre-coke stroke when her face was still symmetrical. Plus the film was competently, if VERY far from expertly by Katt Shea (only notable otherwise for being topless in few B-movies). Cheryl Ladd is woefully underused as the put-upon mother and Sara Gilbert is tad too melodramatic in many of her scenes, but it's an alright movie, if you happen to be in the right mood whenever it plays on cable.
My Grade: C-
Where I saw it: @ Max
My Grade: C-
Where I saw it: @ Max
- movieman_kev
- Apr 11, 2006
- Permalink
Haunting & darkly erotic tale of teen alienation
Drew Barrymore turns in the most memorable performance of her career, in this strange, beautifully filmed tale of betrayal and teenage alienation. The introverted Sylvie meets the mysterious Ivy at the posh private school they attend, and become fast friends. It seems Sylvie idolizes Ivy just a bit, for her beauty and fearless, outgoing style. And Ivy, coming from a broken home, begins to envy Sylvies life, as Sylvie lives in a gorgeous home, and has a mother and father who care deeply for her. The tale is more sad than suspenseful, and this is more of a teen drama than 'an erotic thriller. The friendship that develops between the two girls is done in a very believable way, and it is sad when things begin to go wrong, and it becomes clear that Ivy has some deep emotional problems. The plot here is not so original, but so many elements elevate 'Poison ivy' above other films of this type. The acting all around is impressive; Cheryl Ladd is beautifully fragile as the sick, bed-ridden mother, and the relationship that develops between her and her daughter's mysterious friend is touching, as the two look very similar. It is obvious that when 'Georgie' looks at 'Ivy' she is reminded of her own youth, and her own days of being wild. And this is how the connection develops between the mother and Ivy. The daughter unfortunately is unable to connect with her own mom, as the two are so different. 'Gerorgie,' like Ivy, is blond, pretty, and glamorous, while Sylvie is mousy-haired and wears glasses. This causes immediate, but subtle tension between the two girls from the outset. Tom Skeritt is perfect as the brooding, wounded husband, who feels abandoned by a wife who has given up on living. This fact makes him easy prey for Ivy as well, whose desire to become a part of this family soon escalates to a disturbing level. Sara Gilbert is likewise perfectly cast as the shy but intelligent Sylvie. So much attention is paid to small details, which is so important with films of this sort. Ivy's tattoo, which turns out to be fake, and the Egyptian eye that is shaved into Sylvie's scalp, gives these characters depth. The film possesses a strong, atmospheric tone, and Ivy's strange, childlike sexuality has an almost hypnotic quality about it. The background music as well, is lush, and darkly romantic. And many scenes are absolute eye candy, and truly erotic. Among them, the scene where Tom Skeritt's character 'takes' Ivy on the hood of his Mercedes in the forest, while the rain pours down and that haunting melody plays; classic. And the film succeeds in being erotic without being very graphic, and this is not easy to accomplish. I was lucky to see this in the theater, and was happy to find the DVD, which contains both versions of the movie, the theatrical, 'R' rated version, and a slightly more graphic unrated edition. There were some sequels to this, that were released straight to video, and are, not surprisingly, terrible exploitation trash that has nothing to do with this legitimate film. 'Poison Ivy" is an above average 'teen angst' film, and deals effectively with it's subject matter. Recommended, especially for fans of Drew Barrymore. Fans who are only familiar with her more recent films will be amazed at how great she is, and how amazing she looks, in this very special film.
Pretty spooky
Poison Ivy simply tells the story of a young girl who definitely gets what she wants and even resorts to murder if needs be. All four of the main characters you can develop some feeling for, and you could even feel sorry for Drew Barrymore's Ivy, although I did feel as if sometimes some characters were simply failing to believe what was pretty obvious to everyone else.
An 18-year-old Barrymore shines in this role, and Cheryl Ladd is also very convincing.
Overall, Poison Ivy is a dark and brooding provocative thriller that literally seduces the viewer in and makes them actually want to see what happens.
An 18-year-old Barrymore shines in this role, and Cheryl Ladd is also very convincing.
Overall, Poison Ivy is a dark and brooding provocative thriller that literally seduces the viewer in and makes them actually want to see what happens.
- jamiecostelo58
- Nov 28, 2006
- Permalink
Tries to be shocking, and ends up both mystifying and boring.
- JamesHitchcock
- Oct 18, 2023
- Permalink
Good Teenage Drama.
Poison Ivy is a good teenage drama movie, starring Sara Gilbert and Drew Barrymore, who both give great performances here. Barrymore plays Ivy a young and wild teen, who lives with her aunt. When she ends up moving in with her friend, Sylvie played by Gilbert, Ivy slowly and seductively works her way into the lives of her 'new' family. The movie has some weird moments, but most of the time it's good and keeps you interested in the plot and the characters.
- famousgir1
- Dec 8, 2001
- Permalink
Drew Barrymore's Age
- isabelmutswairo
- Jun 3, 2023
- Permalink
No tension kept throughout, still never boring
Although Poison Ivy does not maintain much tension before approaching its last scenes and sacrifices some of its runtime for awkward erotic scenes between Drew Barrymore and Tom Skerrit, this movie is still pleasant to watch. It just has a mysterious atmosphere and makes the viewer feel surrounded by a certain calmness and nostalgia (even when you see the movie for the first time). The soundtrack also helps set this mood. Barrymore's personality at this time is very well reflected in her role as Ivy and the same could probably be said about Sara Gilbert in her role as Sylvie. This makes it feel as if it is two real friends with different personalities interacting, instead of just actors.
The audience is confronted with the question of whether rooting for Ivy to get through with her plans is the right thing to do or not, and in the end, there is no definite answer. Sure, Ivy is highly manipulative and does not seem to really care about Sylvie unless it is for personal gain but she also seems misunderstood, fundamentally lonely and merely looking for a place to belong to.
The audience is confronted with the question of whether rooting for Ivy to get through with her plans is the right thing to do or not, and in the end, there is no definite answer. Sure, Ivy is highly manipulative and does not seem to really care about Sylvie unless it is for personal gain but she also seems misunderstood, fundamentally lonely and merely looking for a place to belong to.
- lime_juice30
- Oct 21, 2019
- Permalink
We must be talking of different movies
I read all the positive praise of this movie, so I was ready for some gripping drama, and so I rent it. After 15 minutes I was so disgusted with it, I stopped it, and returned it. Here's why:
In all the "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" copycat movies I've seen, they ALL show us right away as how the characters meet. With "Poison Ivy," the movie begins with Ivy and Coop ALREADY BEING FRIENDS, or at the very least being acquainted. To me, what makes these movies terrifying, would be that you just don't know the stranger you happen to meet, bump into, or circumstances where the paths cross. Where did Ivy come from? Instead of scenarios in which we as viewers can witness, all we have are what Ivy tells us. And for the only source of who a character is and where she comes from is from what she says, we cannot trust it. From a legal standpoint, it would be considered "heresay."
And not only can we not trust what Ivy tells us, we quickly learn we cannot believe what Cooper tells us either as she lies to Ivy -- and us -- by her claim of her biological father being black, and she adopted, when that wasn't true, and the lie she told Ivy -- and us -- that she cut herself trying to commit suicide, and then told us a few moments later, that THAT wasn't true, either.
And Cooper's narrative time-jumps, almost as if she's in a hurry to tell her story, and within a few minutes of the movie we go from them speaking of wishing to be friends to Ivy moving in with the family. I'm sorry, but that transition is too sudden, too abrupt, too jolting, that we as viewers feel it's thrown in our face quickly to sort it out later.
And Cooper's parents are the weakest parents I've ever seen. They have no backbone, no real authoritative presence, almost as if they're there for convenience's sake, they have no life outside just existing there, and within those first moments of this movie, it seems Cooper's father has no job-life.
And so, for me, we have in the first 15 minutes no characters we really don't know nor trust, nor even care about. IMHO, don't waste your time with this movie. There are plenty of other good ones of this type of story.
In all the "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" copycat movies I've seen, they ALL show us right away as how the characters meet. With "Poison Ivy," the movie begins with Ivy and Coop ALREADY BEING FRIENDS, or at the very least being acquainted. To me, what makes these movies terrifying, would be that you just don't know the stranger you happen to meet, bump into, or circumstances where the paths cross. Where did Ivy come from? Instead of scenarios in which we as viewers can witness, all we have are what Ivy tells us. And for the only source of who a character is and where she comes from is from what she says, we cannot trust it. From a legal standpoint, it would be considered "heresay."
And not only can we not trust what Ivy tells us, we quickly learn we cannot believe what Cooper tells us either as she lies to Ivy -- and us -- by her claim of her biological father being black, and she adopted, when that wasn't true, and the lie she told Ivy -- and us -- that she cut herself trying to commit suicide, and then told us a few moments later, that THAT wasn't true, either.
And Cooper's narrative time-jumps, almost as if she's in a hurry to tell her story, and within a few minutes of the movie we go from them speaking of wishing to be friends to Ivy moving in with the family. I'm sorry, but that transition is too sudden, too abrupt, too jolting, that we as viewers feel it's thrown in our face quickly to sort it out later.
And Cooper's parents are the weakest parents I've ever seen. They have no backbone, no real authoritative presence, almost as if they're there for convenience's sake, they have no life outside just existing there, and within those first moments of this movie, it seems Cooper's father has no job-life.
And so, for me, we have in the first 15 minutes no characters we really don't know nor trust, nor even care about. IMHO, don't waste your time with this movie. There are plenty of other good ones of this type of story.
- JimmyL5555
- Jan 23, 2007
- Permalink
What Ivy Wants, Ivy Gets...
Poison Ivy has a TV film feel about it and having just watched it recently for the first time in several years I feel that she could have had more credibility if she had continued on the serious side of acting, rather than frivolous rom-coms that became her staple. Drew Barrymore never looked better than she did in this film and it's easy to see why Tom Skerritt is tempted by the teenage temptress. Sara Gilbert, who older readers may remember from Roseanne and younger readers as an occasional actress in The Big Bang Theory, plays a very good supporting role in this tight, memorable, and erotic thriller.
There is a little too much on the music playing in the background but all in all, this is a good film to kill an hour-and-a-half with, particularly as it involves Ms Barrymore at her sexy looking best in a role that she excelled in. With one quick seduction, Ivy sets off a chain reaction that makes 'Poison Ivy' one of the most provocative and erotic films, of the erotic thriller genre, filmed to date. If you somehow missed this gem, give it a look soon. It is one of those very rare films you can enjoy again and again..
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
There is a little too much on the music playing in the background but all in all, this is a good film to kill an hour-and-a-half with, particularly as it involves Ms Barrymore at her sexy looking best in a role that she excelled in. With one quick seduction, Ivy sets off a chain reaction that makes 'Poison Ivy' one of the most provocative and erotic films, of the erotic thriller genre, filmed to date. If you somehow missed this gem, give it a look soon. It is one of those very rare films you can enjoy again and again..
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
- PredragReviews
- May 6, 2016
- Permalink
the Fine Actresses doesn't matter,
The FINE ACTRESSES does NOT matter when the plot/ ie: Storyline was lacking in originality and any meaningful content.
PLUS CHERYL LADD IS SO VIBRANT an Actress, she should never be cast as a sickly woman.
Teenager and older man and in his own house and, and, and Is Not something that I want to watch.
IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MORAL to this, like the thought of teen seducing Georgie's husband, SO THAT GEORGIE, did all in her power AND SUCCEEDED IN GETTING WELL and patching even the betrayal aspects of this WOULD HAVE BEEN a Ending worth waiting for.... (maybe).
PLUS CHERYL LADD IS SO VIBRANT an Actress, she should never be cast as a sickly woman.
Teenager and older man and in his own house and, and, and Is Not something that I want to watch.
IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MORAL to this, like the thought of teen seducing Georgie's husband, SO THAT GEORGIE, did all in her power AND SUCCEEDED IN GETTING WELL and patching even the betrayal aspects of this WOULD HAVE BEEN a Ending worth waiting for.... (maybe).
A luscious Lolita takes over the family...
...that's the basic plot of 1992's "Poison Ivy" starring Drew Barrymore in the titular role. The movie comes from a long tradition of films about an alluring babysitter (or nanny or friend) taking control of the family by winning the hearts of the kids and seducing the husband. "The Babysitter" (1980) and "Summer Girl" (1983) are two examples, both TV flicks (available on youtube). In "Poison Ivy" Drew, as Ivy, plays a friend of the awkward misfit Sylvie (Sara Gilbert). Tom Skerritt plays the aloof husband and Cheryl Ladd the withering (but still beautiful) mother.
"Poison Ivy" is more stylized than the aforementioned examples and technically better due to a much bigger budget. One of its best highlights is its score, which is equal parts haunting, romantic, melancholic and beautiful. Speaking of melancholic, there's an element of sadness to the proceedings because the family is so wealthy -- living on a mansion on a hill in Los Angeles (shot on location) -- but they're so spiritually bereft. It just goes to show that all the financial success and material possessions in the world can't buy happiness and love.
Drew was almost 17 during filming and plays the sultry little tamale well, which brings up why people tend to look down on the film -- it's nothing more than a lethal Lolita tale with a slick garnishment and they write it off as trash exploitation. Regardless, it works for what it is; and, after all, does every film have to be "Ghandi"? Besides, "Poison Ivy" and similar films are more than just "trash exploitation." They're commentaries on the power of a woman or, more specifically, the power of a young beautiful female. In the story, Ivy comes from a troubled past but, as a blossoming woman, she realizes the power she wields and seems to bask in it.
I was involved with a church for a number of years and the granddaughter of the pastor was aged 17-22 at the time. She wasn't in Drew's league, as far as beauty goes yet she still had power. She would lie about people and spread rumors and, because she was the pastor's granddaughter, some morons would believe her. She started dating a naive relative of mine, who was 19 years her senior, and it was clear that she was just interested in his money. At some point she was able to get his credit card info and bought over $17,000 worth of merchandise without him knowing it until it was too late. She did everything in her power to move into his house, but his aging mother blocked the last attempt at the last minute. His mom said that she could just see the vixen pushing her down the stairs or whatever to get her out of the picture. It was even discovered that the lil' tart tried to buy life insurance on the guy, which was very odd. You can draw your own conclusions.
My point is that these lethal Lolitas exist -- young vixens who use their beauty to take control, cause havoc and ruin lives. Trash exploitation or not, it's good fodder for a movie, particularly if it's done stylishly, like "Poison Ivy".
The film is short and sweet at 88 minutes with the unrated version running 93 minutes.
GRADE: B+
"Poison Ivy" is more stylized than the aforementioned examples and technically better due to a much bigger budget. One of its best highlights is its score, which is equal parts haunting, romantic, melancholic and beautiful. Speaking of melancholic, there's an element of sadness to the proceedings because the family is so wealthy -- living on a mansion on a hill in Los Angeles (shot on location) -- but they're so spiritually bereft. It just goes to show that all the financial success and material possessions in the world can't buy happiness and love.
Drew was almost 17 during filming and plays the sultry little tamale well, which brings up why people tend to look down on the film -- it's nothing more than a lethal Lolita tale with a slick garnishment and they write it off as trash exploitation. Regardless, it works for what it is; and, after all, does every film have to be "Ghandi"? Besides, "Poison Ivy" and similar films are more than just "trash exploitation." They're commentaries on the power of a woman or, more specifically, the power of a young beautiful female. In the story, Ivy comes from a troubled past but, as a blossoming woman, she realizes the power she wields and seems to bask in it.
I was involved with a church for a number of years and the granddaughter of the pastor was aged 17-22 at the time. She wasn't in Drew's league, as far as beauty goes yet she still had power. She would lie about people and spread rumors and, because she was the pastor's granddaughter, some morons would believe her. She started dating a naive relative of mine, who was 19 years her senior, and it was clear that she was just interested in his money. At some point she was able to get his credit card info and bought over $17,000 worth of merchandise without him knowing it until it was too late. She did everything in her power to move into his house, but his aging mother blocked the last attempt at the last minute. His mom said that she could just see the vixen pushing her down the stairs or whatever to get her out of the picture. It was even discovered that the lil' tart tried to buy life insurance on the guy, which was very odd. You can draw your own conclusions.
My point is that these lethal Lolitas exist -- young vixens who use their beauty to take control, cause havoc and ruin lives. Trash exploitation or not, it's good fodder for a movie, particularly if it's done stylishly, like "Poison Ivy".
The film is short and sweet at 88 minutes with the unrated version running 93 minutes.
GRADE: B+
One of the worst movies ever made!
A movie that's more about loneliness than it is an erotic thriller
I really enjoyed the two main characters in the movie - Cooper ( played by Sara Gilbert ) and Ivy ( Drew Barrymore is brilliant in this character ). The film focuses on there friendship and feeling alone as a teenager. I really liked the dialogue between the characters. Especially when Ivy meets Cooper's mother ( played by Cheryl Ladd ) and talks about her own mother and how she flinched every time she touched her and how she died long before she really did. It's just great. Ivy's loneliness soon starts to evaporate as she gains a mother in Chery Ladd, a friend in Sara Gilbert, but then she sets her eyes on Cooper's father ( played by Tom Skerrit ) and wants him in an intimate way. And this is where the movie starts to get erotic as she seduces her best friend's father. But Cooper is starting to see Ivy's evil intentions .....
- Firefly-28
- Nov 26, 1999
- Permalink
some pulpy trash fun
Sylvie Cooper (Sara Gilbert) is an introverted loner. Her mother Georgie (Cheryl Ladd) is sickly. Sylvie rebels against her conservative TV commentator father Darryl (Tom Skerritt). She is taken with the sexy trashy new girl (Drew Barrymore) who has a fake Ivy tattoo on her thigh. Sylvie befriends the new girl and gives her the name Ivy. Ivy starts insinuating into Sylvie's life causing trouble in her family and even seducing her father.
Drew was shedding her child star status at the time. This is overwrought and pulpy. It's Lolita being even trashier. Gilbert and Barrymore are great. There is a young Leonardo DiCaprio in a minor role. This is trashy art that teases an erotic thriller. I can certainly understand how this could be dismissed but it has some pulpy fun.
Drew was shedding her child star status at the time. This is overwrought and pulpy. It's Lolita being even trashier. Gilbert and Barrymore are great. There is a young Leonardo DiCaprio in a minor role. This is trashy art that teases an erotic thriller. I can certainly understand how this could be dismissed but it has some pulpy fun.
- SnoopyStyle
- Apr 13, 2016
- Permalink
Trashy, clumsy erotic thriller
Here's something Drew Barrymore might not want to put on her résumé. Poison Ivy was made just before her career started to take off, but unfortunately her performance here is so childish and clumsy that the first impression I got was not "hey, here's young Drew Barrymore" but more "hey, it's that kid from E.T making out with that kid from Roseanne", which gave the whole thing an awkward feel.
At its core Poison Ivy is a run-of-the-mill erotic thriller of the kind that was all over in the early 90's, it's filled with clichés that have been explored in dozens of better movies from Single White Female to Swimming Pool; but Barrymore is unconvincing in the role of the seductive femme fatale, and as it is the scenes of awkward teen Barrymore seducing older Tom Skerritt just made me uncomfortable and felt like Skerritt is the real villain. Terrible acting from some at least somewhat talented people (Barrymore, Skerritt and Sara Gilbert are all awful - Cheryl Ladd is the only one who gives a passable performance) can almost be overlooked thanks to very solid cinematography, but as the movie progresses it's impossible to not realize how silly the whole thing is. Poison Ivy recycles every trope from every movie in its genre, but it feels like a high-school production. As it is it might be memorable as a meeting between two generations of Charlie's Angels, and little else.
At its core Poison Ivy is a run-of-the-mill erotic thriller of the kind that was all over in the early 90's, it's filled with clichés that have been explored in dozens of better movies from Single White Female to Swimming Pool; but Barrymore is unconvincing in the role of the seductive femme fatale, and as it is the scenes of awkward teen Barrymore seducing older Tom Skerritt just made me uncomfortable and felt like Skerritt is the real villain. Terrible acting from some at least somewhat talented people (Barrymore, Skerritt and Sara Gilbert are all awful - Cheryl Ladd is the only one who gives a passable performance) can almost be overlooked thanks to very solid cinematography, but as the movie progresses it's impossible to not realize how silly the whole thing is. Poison Ivy recycles every trope from every movie in its genre, but it feels like a high-school production. As it is it might be memorable as a meeting between two generations of Charlie's Angels, and little else.
- itamarscomix
- Mar 5, 2012
- Permalink
Great Performance !
Drew Barrymore performs excellent in this movie, she plays the role of a seductress quite well, from the first scene with her friend's dad to the last seen. The most Important is the way the characters are portrayed, the direction is superb.
- emailbajaj
- Oct 13, 2003
- Permalink