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.

'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.