Bad Influence (1990)

Michael Boll (Rob Lowe) and Alex (James Spader) find their lives intertwined in a dark dance of manipulation and obsession. Michael, the charming yet sinister stranger, ingratiates himself into the life of Alex, a mild-mannered financier. As the plot unfolds, the audience witnesses a radical transformation in Alex, as he’s influenced by Michael’s malevolent antics. The movie is a psychological thriller that explores the vulnerabilities of the human psyche, the pull of forbidden desires, and the blurry lines between right and wrong.

Length: 1hr 39min
Genre: Thriller, Drama

Trailer

Cast

• James Spader as Alex
• Rob Lowe as Michael Boll
• Lisa Zane as Claire
• Marcia Cross as Ruth Fielding

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: R (for sexual content, language, and violence)

Contains intense scenes, sexual content, and violence that might not be suitable for younger audiences.

Trivia

• The film marked a departure for Rob Lowe, who was trying to shake off his teen idol image with more mature and darker roles.
• The setting, which captures the corporate world of the late 80s, adds a distinct atmosphere to the thriller.
• The climax of the movie was particularly noted for its unpredictability, defying traditional thriller tropes.

Our Review

A compelling delve into the mind’s dark recesses, “Bad Influence” excels with its sharp performances, especially from Lowe and Spader. The movie is an interesting look into how easily one can be manipulated and how quickly lives can spiral out of control. With an intense storyline, the film may not be for everyone but is certainly a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.