Netflix has just added a beloved cult classic to its catalogue featuring Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Julie Benz, and Judy Greer.
The 1999 flick centres on a clique of teenage girls at secondary school who attempt to conceal the killing of their closest mate.
Penned by Darren Stein, it was originally conceived as a horror picture, but ultimately became a black comedy.
The film in question, Jawbreaker, underwent numerous alterations before its cinema release, including a major recast and the trimming of an intimate scene.
The part of Julie was initially given to Rachael Leigh Cook, who was subsequently replaced by Rebecca Gayheart after producers decided she lacked the proper rapport with her co-stars.
Subsequently, there were complaints about an explicit intimate sequence between Rose McGowan’s character Courtney Shayne and The Stranger, portrayed by musician Marilyn Manson.
The sequence had to be shortened so it could receive an R classification rather than an NC-17.
The picture holds just a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers drawing comparisons to 1988’s Heathers, arguing Heathers was superior.
On Google Reviews, one admirer commented: “Film really wasn’t all that bad. In fact, it’s probably one of the better teen movies of the 90s, along with Cruel Intentions and The Craft among others that I enjoyed.
“While it’s not the best film I’ve ever seen (and certainly not as good as Heathers), I can’t help but give it a lot of credit for exploring much darker and more ominous elements that not too many mainstream high school films have done before- and it’s very rare to see a teen film like this being made today.
“Not to mention, Rose McGowan’s performance as the vindictive leader of the Flawless Four is a definite highlight.”
Reel Film Reviews commented on Rotten Tomatoes: “A watchable yet somewhat forgettable endeavour that’s deservedly become a cult classic over the years.”
Nevertheless, Chicago Reader condemned the picture for its “lame shock scenes”, stating: “Crucial plot points inserted without setups and an unsuccessful attempt to exploit the camp value of some actors cast in minor parts are the least of the problems in this black comedy.”
Jawbreaker is on Netflix
