The Beguiled (1971)
Offbeat Civil War drama in which a wounded Yankee soldier, after finding refuge in an isolated girls' school in the South towards the end of the war, becomes the object of the young women's sexual fantasies. The soldier manipulates the situation for his own gratification, but when he refuses to completely comply with the girls' wishes, they make it very difficult for him to leave.
Details
Budget
$475,000
Rating
7/10 (450 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Malpaso Productions, Universal Pictures
About The Beguiled
Don Siegel's 1971 film, "The Beguiled," sets a psychological drama against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The story centers on a wounded Union soldier who is taken in by an all-girls boarding school in the South. His presence disrupts the isolated lives of the women, leading to a complex web of manipulation and desire.
The film explores themes of sexual repression and awakening, particularly within the confined and emotionally charged environment of the school. As the soldier recovers, he becomes an object of fantasy and competition among the women, who range in age and experience. This dynamic escalates, transforming the initial act of charity into a struggle for control and survival.
"The Beguiled" is noted for its Southern Gothic elements and its dark, unsettling tone. It delves into the power dynamics that emerge when a male figure enters an exclusively female space, and how those dynamics are influenced by wartime conditions and societal expectations of the era. The narrative navigates the psychological tension that arises from these interactions, leading to a conclusion that reflects the film's exploration of human nature under duress.
Why you might be searching for The Beguiled
People often search for "The Beguiled" due to its unusual premise of a wounded Civil War soldier taking refuge in an all-girls school, leading to psychological tension and themes of sexual repression. The film is also known for its dark, Southern Gothic atmosphere and the manipulative dynamics that unfold between the characters.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the film undeniably creepy and bizarre, acknowledging its intentional unsettling quality while still being unsure if it was a good movie beyond making the viewer uncomfortable.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described the film as a dark and atypical work from Donald Siegel, noting its success in subverting war and Western genres to explore psychological thriller and Southern Gothic themes.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
The 1971 film "The Beguiled" is available to stream on Netflix. It can also be purchased or rented on Apple TV.
No, "The Beguiled" (1971) is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of the 1966 novel by Thomas P. Cullinan.
In the 1971 film "The Beguiled," the women at the girls' school decide to poison John McBurney after he threatens them and causes chaos. They prepare a dinner with poisonous mushrooms, which he eats. He dies after the meal, and the women sew his body into a shroud, leaving it by the road with a signal to be found by Confederate soldiers.
The 1971 film "The Beguiled" generally received positive reviews, with an average Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% based on 21 reviews. Many viewers praise Clint Eastwood's performance and the film's ability to keep them invested in the characters and their conflicts.