Prime Video’s resurrection of “Cruel Intentions” has arrived, defying fans’ expectations and eliciting mixed reviews. The eight-episode series reimagines the 1999 cult favorite film, which received praise and skepticism from early critics.
The new adaptation now has a 30% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is lower than the 54% for the original film but higher than its direct-to-video sequel. Despite the series’ lackluster critical reaction, industry analysts warn against jumping to conclusions, suggesting it may achieve popularity comparable to its predecessor.
Savannah Lee Smith and Sarah Catherine Hook star in the modern rendition, taking up parts previously played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair. The series respects the original while striving to provide a new perspective for modern audiences.
One of the most anticipated scenes—replicating the iconic kiss between the primary characters—became a focal point during the show’s premiere. Smith, 24, recognized the scene’s significance, stating that showrunners Phoebe Fisher and Sara Goodman had demanded an exact replication of the memorable event.
“It was an honor to replicate something that won [the Best Kiss] award,” Smith told me. The production company addressed performer comfort by hiring an intimacy coordinator to create a safe and professional filming setting.
Hook emphasized her approach to the character, claiming she was “discouraged from copying Sarah Michelle Gellar’s iconic performance.” She described her interpretation as having “a more relaxed energy” and “more quietness” than the original portrayal.
The process of bringing “Cruel Intentions” to television lasted several years, with prior attempts, including a 2015 NBC adaptation, failing to materialize. Prime Video finally secured the project in late 2021, bringing the much-anticipated series to life.
Some industry professionals believe the critical response does not accurately reflect the series’ potential audience appeal. Like the original film, which garnered great success through youth-focused accolades and audience ratings, the new adaptation may find its biggest support among younger audiences.
With its nostalgia and current storytelling mix, the “Cruel Intentions” revival is a daring attempt to reinvent a late-90s cultural phenomenon for a new generation of audiences.
