
Bad Influence
dir. Curtis Hanson
62
6 sourcesSynopsis
Wimpy young executive Michael is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome, mysterious stranger steps in—and then disappears. Later that night, Michael runs into a stranger on a pier, who wheedles his way into Michael's life and turns it upside down.
What resonated with audiences
'Bad Influence' delivers a stylishly dark thriller elevated by Rob Lowe's chilling performance as a psychopathic drifter and Curtis Hanson's sharp direction. The film's sleazy atmosphere exploring moral corruption and psychological manipulation earns consistent praise. However, opinions divide sharply on engagement, with some finding it tense and compelling while others consider it forgettable. Plausibility issues and forced character decisions undermine credibility for several viewers, though the moody cinematography and suspenseful elements partially compensate.

Directed byCurtis Hanson
StarringJames Spader, Rob Lowe, Lisa Zane, Marcia Cross, Rosalyn Landor, Kathleen Wilhoite
Written byDavid Koepp
CinematographyRobert Elswit
EditingBonnie Koehler
MusicTrevor Jones
Bad Influence
1990 · R · 1h 39m
Thriller
Wimpy young executive Michael is about to get pulverized by a jealous boyfriend in a bar when a handsome, mysterious stranger steps in—and then disappears. Later that night, Michael runs into a stranger on a pier, who wheedles his way into Michael's life and turns it upside down.
Our Verdict
62
'Bad Influence' delivers a stylishly dark thriller elevated by Rob Lowe's chilling performance as a psychopathic drifter and Curtis Hanson's sharp direction. The film's sleazy atmosphere exploring moral corruption and psychological manipulation earns consistent praise. However, opinions divide sharply on engagement, with some finding it tense and compelling while others consider it forgettable. Plausibility issues and forced character decisions undermine credibility for several viewers, though the moody cinematography and suspenseful elements partially compensate.
