Fatal Attraction (1987)
A married man's one-night stand comes back to haunt him when that lover begins to stalk him and his family.
Details
Budget
$14,000,000
Rating
7/10 (1534 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Paramount Pictures
About Fatal Attraction
The 1987 thriller "Fatal Attraction" centers on a married man whose casual affair escalates into a dangerous obsession when his lover begins to stalk him and his family. The film explores themes of sexual obsession, marriage crisis, and the consequences of an extramarital affair, with keywords like 'one-night stand,' 'stalker,' and 'female stalker' underscoring the plot's core conflicts. Its critical reception includes a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 67/100 on Metacritic, alongside a 7.0 user rating on TMDB from over 1500 votes.
The narrative uses elements of drama and romance to build tension around the psychological thriller aspects. The film's depiction of an obsessive relationship and the descent into psychotic obsessions creates a sense of dread as the story unfolds. While some keywords in the metadata like 'absurd' and 'incredulous' suggest a critical perspective on certain plot points, the overall reception indicates its lasting impact as a genre film.
The film became a significant cultural talking point, dealing with anxieties surrounding infidelity and its potential fallout. It resonated with audiences by presenting a scenario where a seemingly ordinary transgression leads to extreme and violent repercussions.
Why you might be searching for Fatal Attraction
People often search for "Fatal Attraction" due to its memorable, intense portrayal of a one-night stand gone wrong, particularly the female stalker's escalating obsession and the "bunny boiler" incident. The film's exploration of infidelity, psychological thriller elements, and the phrase "I won't be ignored" have become cultural touchstones.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that the film, a significant hit in the 1980s, still delivers the same impact today, suggesting its cultural importance and unique premise set it apart.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Fatal Attraction" on services like FuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus, and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/fatal-attraction), [collider.com](https://collider.com/where-to-watch-fatal-attraction-movie/)
"Fatal Attraction" is not based on a true story. It is based on the 1980 short film "Diversion" by James Dearden, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Attraction)
In the theatrical ending of "Fatal Attraction," Alex attacks Dan's wife Beth with a knife after Beth returns home from the hospital. Dan intervenes and seemingly drowns Alex in the bathtub, but she re-emerges with the knife. Beth then shoots Alex dead. The film originally had a different ending where Alex commits suicide, framing Dan for her murder, but this was changed after test screenings. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Attraction), [collider.com](https://collider.com/where-to-watch-fatal-attraction-movie/)
"Fatal Attraction" is generally considered a compelling psychological thriller, with 74% of 61 critics' reviews on Rotten Tomatoes being positive. Some viewers found it absorbing, while others felt certain aspects of the affair were not well-supported or found it shallow. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1007141-fatal_attraction), [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatal_Attraction)