Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Yudt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
TV remake of 1987 adultery thriller is dark and racy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Fatal Attraction
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
FATAL ATTRACTION is an eight-episode expansion of the 1987 film starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close that reimagines some of the plot and character details. This version begins with Dan (Joshua Jackson) being paroled from prison for the murder of Alex (Lizzy Caplan). The series alternates between the present, in which Dan tries to reconnect with his family and prove his innocence, and the past, in which he cheats on his wife (Amanda Peet) with Alex. Pre-prison, Dan is an ambitious district attorney, and Alex works in victim services at the courthouse. Sparks fly, and flirtation escalates into a series of sexual encounters -- until it becomes clear that Alex wants more out of the affair than Dan. When he tries to break it off, she becomes obsessive, self-destructive, and violent.
Is It Any Good?
By leading with the twist of Dan trying to prove his innocence, the remake delivers something new and intriguing -- viewers know Alex's ultimate fate, but what happens leading up to that? Fatal Attraction is propelled by strong performances: Jackson channels Michael Douglas's slick sleaziness, while Caplan convincingly portrays Alex as both villain and victim. Less successful are the storylines with Dan's daughter, who's studying psychology and tries to apply Jungian theory to her father's situation. Despite the modern update, the "scorned woman" theme feels dated and sexist -- that women are either devoted and sweet, like Dan's wife, or disturbed and dangerous, like Alex. The bottom line: It's an entertaining watch, but definitely not a feel-good one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Dan cheating on his wife. What consequences did he face? Why do people choose to cheat on their spouses, particularly if they appear to be happy?
How does this show portray Alex's mental health? Does her troubled history make her a more sympathetic character? Families can talk about why it's important to focus on emotional and mental well-being.
Why do you think Dan decided to cut off contact with his family while in prison? Did he make the right decision? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 30, 2023
- Cast : Joshua Jackson , Lizzy Caplan , Amanda Peet
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 4, 2023
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