THE CRUSH

Cinemavixion Review

Alan Shapiro's 1993 thriller, 'The Crush,' offers a chilling exploration of obsession and its destructive consequences. Cary Elwes delivers a compelling performance as a journalist ensnared by the intense fixation of Adrienne, a precocious 14-year-old played with unnerving intensity by Alicia Silverstone in a breakout role. The film masterfully builds tension as Adrienne's unrequited affections curdle into a vengeful campaign, escalating from psychological torment to outright sabotage. Shapiro’s direction skillfully navigates the unsettling dynamics, creating an atmosphere of growing dread. While its critical reception was mixed, as evidenced by its Rotten Tomatoes score, 'The Crush' remains a potent cautionary tale about boundaries and the dark side of adolescent desire, solidifying its place as a memorable entry in the thriller genre.