“Do you want to die, Sidney?” Ghostface’s chilling, creepy question still sticks with us, decades later. In one of the most memorable scenes from the Scream franchise, Sidney Prescott fights back against the masked killer in her home, and her boyfriend Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) shows up at just the right moment. Neve Campbell gave an iconic final girl performance that still means so much to so many. However, two years after the first Scream movie was released, Campbell starred in an erotic thriller that is one of her greatest movies.
While it’s nice to see the star play Sidney again in Scream 7, it also serves as a reminder of Campbell’s incredible 1990s roles. Besides facing off against Ghostface (even when she went off to college and thought the nightmare was over), she played ambitious teenager Julia Salinger in Party of Five and sensitive Bonnie in The Craft. And she also gave an incredible performance in Wild Things, which was released in 1998.
Why You Should Watch Neve Campbell’s ’90s Erotic Thriller ‘Wild Things’
It would be a shame to learn who every Ghostface killer was before seeing each Scream movie. And it would be even worse to know the big twists in Wild Things. But here’s the main idea: Suzie Toller (Campbell) and Kelly Van Ryan (Denise Richards) falsely say that their guidance counselor, Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon), has sexually assaulted them.
Most people at least know this main storyline, but let’s say there are more plot twists in this movie than you might have thought possible. Many have heard about Wild Things because there’s a famous scene where Suzie and Kelly kiss in a pool, and, yes, things get pretty hot.
However, Wild Things is also arguably one of the most interesting movies Campbell made, besides her beloved turn in the Scream franchise. While Kevin Bacon played Sergeant Ray Duquette perfectly, and Dillon and Richards also were impressive, Campbell gave Suzie a lot of complexity. It’s definitely not the easiest role. However, while it’s an entertaining movie about people making up stories and scheming in Blue Bay, a suburb in Florida, Campbell’s performance is particularly amazing. As always, she’s engaging and special. Besides Wild Things, The Craft, and the Scream franchise, it’s hard to say that she’s been in any other movies that fans are going to keep watching and talking about. Sure, her turn in the 2003 drama The Company is full of passion, especially since she has ballet training. But does anyone call that film iconic?
Suzie’s presence can’t be ignored. Richards’s character, Kelly, falls into the “poor little rich girl” trope, and she can feel a little thin at times. In contrast, Suzie is a compelling character whose less well-off background makes her stand out. While others underestimate her, especially since she’s had trouble with substance use, she believes in herself. It’s not always possible to agree with her decisions. Okay, it’s rarely possible. But at least you understand her.
Although everyone focuses on the steamy scenes when talking about this movie, it’s also a reminder of Campbell’s talents. She’s played some versatile characters, including villain Raven in Twisted Metal Season 1, but Suzie should be remembered as one of her best roles. It’s also interesting to compare Sidney and Suzie. While Suzie might not have to spend decades running from Ghostface, she’s also had a hard, traumatic life, and she’s also stronger than others give her credit for.
Why ‘Wild Things’ Is Just As Great In 2026
If the Scream franchise is about more than just blood and gore, examining topics like love, friendship, family, grief, and trauma, Wild Things explores just as many heavy subjects. Yes, the movie is corny. However, watching it in 2026, it’s possible to see that there’s more going on here than just the steamy nature of the plot.
For the first part of the movie, you’re watching a story that raises significant questions about inappropriate relationships and consent, which are still very relevant now. Once the truth becomes clear, Wild Things explores the connections between Suzie, Kelly, Ray, and Sam, sharing more about their secrets, motivations, hopes, and anxieties. And it’s also just an intense ride. Sure, a lot is going on here, and the movie shifts between tones. (Did we mention the many plot twists?) However, Suzie has a somewhat meaningful character arc.
A good erotic thriller doesn’t necessarily need likable characters… but sometimes it helps. Audiences are meant to sympathize with Suzie and Kelly at the beginning of the movie. Of course, no one would want them to go through what it seems that they have. But there’s more to the story, and there’s more to Suzie, too. She’s not Campbell’s most likable character, but she’s definitely just as engaging as Sidney. It’s time to watch Wild Things if you haven’t seen it before. And let’s hope that we’ll see Campbell lend her talents to even more unforgettable movies.
Source link
Add Comment