The Crush

The Crush is a thrilling psychological drama released in 1993, directed by Alan Shapiro, and starring Cary Elwes, Alicia Silverstone, and Jennifer Rubin. The film is a twisted tale of one-sided teenage infatuation and the spiraling obsession that manifests from it.

The narrative follows Nick Eliot (played by Cary Elwes), a charismatic journalist who recently moved to Seattle. Nick, in need of an affordable living arrangement opts to stay in a guest house owned by a seemingly ordinary couple, the Forresters. Here, he meets their 14-year-old daughter, Adrian Forrester, portrayed by Alicia Silverstone in her breakout role. She's a bright, beautiful, and prodigiously talented teen who instantly develops a crush on Nick. Nick initially sees this as innocent and harmless, not realizing the depth of Adrian's feelings.

Silverstone's portrayal of attraction that quickly transforms into obsession is one of the film's highlights. Furthermore, Elwes skillfully portrays his character's growing discomfort and paranoia as Adrian's behaviors escalate, leaving audiences consistently engaged in the suspenseful narrative.

Present in a large portion of the film is a significant age gap and power dynamic between Nick and Adrian. Nick is a mature, accomplished professional, while Adrian is a seemingly vulnerable young teenager. However, as the plot unravels, this power dynamic shifts unexpectedly, with Adrian's naivety giving way to a darker, more cunning side, which is effectively portrayed by Silverstone. This ties well with the film's thematic elements of obsession and manipulating appearances, noticeable throughout the storyline.

The Crush is rich in suspense and nail-biting moments that are well-executed, constantly keeping the audience on edge. The small and intimate set design, primarily revolving around the Forrester's property, also adds to the movie’s tension, giving it a claustrophobic feel.

Moreover, the supporting performances by Kurtwood Smith and Gwynyth Walsh, who play Adrian’s parents, are commendably convincing. Jennifer Rubin plays Cheyenne, a lounge singer, who forms a camaraderie with Nick and serves as an external perspective to Adrian's escalating obsession, exuding grit and an insightful perspective to the unnerving situation that unfolds.

While the Crush falls into the genre of a psychological thriller, it also provides commentary on a multitude of societal issues, including the influence of media and public perceptions, as well as attitudes toward victims in cases of harassment and stalking. The film paints a realistic portrait of the difficulties faced when dealing with an obsessive teenage girl whose adoration quickly turns into a dangerous infatuation.

Director Alan Shapiro excels at maintaining a high suspense quotient. His storytelling technique plays with the audience's perceptions, building tension, and engendering a sense of dread that peaks at critical points of the narrative. Despite being a thrilling ride, The Crush is also a thought-provoking exploration of obsession and the lengths to which it can push individuals.

The iconic score by Graeme Revell serves to enhance the movie's suspenseful atmosphere. Its interspersed usage heightens moments of danger, lulling you into a state of anticipation, before delivering the confrontation that was building. The cinematography by Bruce Surtees also stands out, particularly in creating a visual contrast between Adrian's innocent external persona and her dark, internal obsession. The skillful use of lighting and focus subtly highlights Adrian’s dramatic transformation while reiterating the movie's central theme of deceptive appearances.

To summarize, The Crush is a nerve-racking, matured thriller populated with convincing performances, especially from the fresh-faced Alicia Silverstone. It's a suspense-filled ride that delves into the psyche of an obsessed teenager and the terrifying consequences it poses for those in her path. The movie's strength lies in its plot-driven suspense, underpinned by outstanding performances from its cast, engrossing viewers from the beginning to the very end of its 89-minute runtime. The Crush is undoubtedly a film that psychodrama fans wouldn't want to miss. Despite its release almost three decades ago, it remains a compelling watch due to its intriguing plot, the captivating central performances, and its thoughtful engagement with essential themes.