Daune Branch

Written by Daune Branch

Modified & Updated: 29 Oct 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

39-facts-about-the-movie-single-white-female
Source: Primevideo.com

Single White Female, released in 1992, is a captivating thriller that has stood the test of time. Directed by Barbet Schroeder and starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, this psychological drama keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping storyline and intense performances.

The movie tells the story of Allison Jones (Bridget Fonda), a young woman living in New York City who advertises for a roommate after breaking up with her live-in boyfriend. She soon welcomes Hedra Carlson (Jennifer Jason Leigh) into her life, unaware of the darkness that lies beneath her seemingly innocent facade.

As the movie unfolds, we are taken on a chilling journey filled with obsession, envy, and betrayal. With its intriguing premise and memorable characters, Single White Female has become a cult classic in the thriller genre.

Key Takeaways:

  • “Single White Female” was a hit psychological thriller in 1992, exploring obsession and identity. It led to a surge in roommate horror stories and female-led thrillers, and even popularized a hairstyle trend.
  • The movie delves into the dangers of living with a stranger and the complexities of human relationships. Its ambiguous ending leaves viewers pondering the fate of the characters, adding to the suspense.
Table of Contents

The movie was released in 1992

Single White Female, directed by Barbet Schroeder, was released in It is a psychological thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

The movie is based on a novel

The movie is an adaptation of the novel “SWF Seeks Same” written by John Lutz. The screenplay was written by Don Roos.

It stars Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh

Bridget Fonda plays the lead role as Allie Jones, while Jennifer Jason Leigh portrays the character of Hedy Carlson. Both actresses delivered outstanding performances in their respective roles.

The movie explores themes of obsession and identity

Single White Female delves into the dangerous territory of obsession and the search for identity. It raises questions about the lengths one would go to in order to find a sense of belonging.

The movie was a commercial success

Single White Female achieved significant success at the box office, grossing over $48 million worldwide.

The iconic hairstyle from the movie became a trend

Allie Jones’ distinct bob haircut, sported by Bridget Fonda in the movie, became a popular hairstyle trend in the 90s.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics

While some critics praised the performances and the suspenseful storyline, others were critical of the film’s lack of originality.

It was filmed in New York City

The movie is set in New York City and was primarily filmed on location, capturing the essence of the bustling city.

Single White Female was nominated for several awards

The movie received nominations for Best Actress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) at the MTV Movie Awards and Best Fight (Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh) at the MTV Movie Awards.

The movie’s soundtrack features popular songs of the era

The soundtrack of Single White Female includes songs by artists such as The The, XTC, and The Pretenders, capturing the spirit of the early 90s.

The movie popularized the term “Single White Female”

The phrase “Single White Female” became widely used to refer to a woman who emulates or becomes obsessively attached to another person.

There was a sequel to the movie

A sequel titled “Single White Female 2: The Psycho” was released in Although it did not have the same impact as the original, it continued to explore themes of obsession and identity.

It showcases the dark side of apartment sharing

Single White Female highlights the potential dangers that can arise from living with a stranger, revealing the vulnerabilities of sharing living spaces.

The movie’s plot twists keep viewers guessing

The film keeps audiences engaged with its unexpected twists and turns, leaving them on the edge of their seats.

Jennifer Jason Leigh underwent a physical transformation for the role

Jennifer Jason Leigh gained weight and changed her appearance to fully embody the character of Hedy Carlson.

The movie explores themes of trust and betrayal

Single White Female delves into the complex emotions of trust and betrayal, highlighting the potential dangers of forming close relationships.

The movie’s title reflects its theme of identity

The title “Single White Female” refers to the desire to fit in and find one’s identity, which is a central theme explored in the film.

The movie has become a cult classic

Over the years, Single White Female has gained a cult following due to its thrilling plot and memorable performances.

Bridget Fonda was originally considered for the role of Hedy

Initially, Bridget Fonda was considered for the role of Hedy Carlson but ultimately portrayed the character of Allie Jones.

It showcases the dark side of female friendship

The movie sheds light on the toxic aspects of friendship and the consequences of misplaced trust.

The movie accentuates the theme of duality

Single White Female focuses on the duality of human nature, exploring the fine line between sanity and insanity.

The movie’s success led to a surge in psychological thrillers

Following the success of Single White Female, there was an increase in the production of psychological thrillers in the 90s.

Single White Female explores the concept of identity theft

The movie delves into the chilling concept of someone stealing another person’s identity, causing a sense of paranoia.

The movie highlights the dangers of obsession

Single White Female serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the destructive power of obsession.

The movie’s success led to a surge in roommate horror stories

After the release of Single White Female, there was a rise in real-life roommate horror stories where strangers turned out to be dangerous.

It showcases the vulnerability of women in urban environments

The movie brings attention to the vulnerability of women living in bustling urban environments, highlighting the need for caution.

The movie’s script went through multiple revisions

The screenplay for Single White Female underwent several revisions to ensure the storyline was engaging and captivating.

The movie’s setting adds to the suspenseful atmosphere

The dark and claustrophobic setting of the apartment adds to the tense and suspenseful atmosphere of the movie.

It explores the blurred lines between reality and illusion

Single White Female blurs the lines between reality and illusion, leaving viewers questioning what is true and what is fabricated.

The movie showcases the complexities of human relationships

Through the portrayal of various characters and their interactions, Single White Female delves into the intricacies of human relationships.

The film’s marketing campaign played up the suspense factor

The marketing of Single White Female focused heavily on the suspenseful elements of the movie, enticing audiences to watch the thrilling story unfold.

The movie explores the fear of being replaced

Single White Female taps into the universal fear of being replaced, highlighting the lengths someone may go to prevent it from happening.

It showcases the dangers of living with a stranger

The movie serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration when choosing a roommate.

Single White Female tackles the themes of envy and jealousy

The movie delves into the toxic emotions of envy and jealousy, illustrating their destructive consequences.

The movie’s cinematography heightens the tension

The skilled cinematography in Single White Female enhances the suspense and tension, amplifying the viewer’s experience.

It features a standout performance by Steven Weber

Steven Weber delivers a memorable performance as Allie’s ex-fiancé, revealing his character’s complexity.

The movie’s success led to a surge in female-led thrillers

Following the release of Single White Female, there was an increase in the production of female-led psychological thrillers.

The movie explores the concept of identity crisis

Single White Female examines the theme of identity crisis, highlighting the struggle to establish one’s sense of self.

The movie’s ending leaves room for interpretation

The ambiguous ending of Single White Female allows viewers to interpret the fate of the characters, leaving them pondering the outcome.

Conclusion

Single White Female is a captivating thriller that continues to enthrall audiences with its intense plot and memorable performances. With its intriguing storyline and brilliant direction, it remains a benchmark in the psychological thriller genre. The film’s exploration of obsession, identity, and the dark side of human nature provides a haunting and suspenseful experience for viewers. From the chilling performances of Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh to the atmospheric setting and masterful storytelling, Single White Female has secured its place as a classic in the realm of psychological thrillers. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply looking for a gripping film to watch, Single White Female is a must-see.

FAQs

1. What is Single White Female about?

Single White Female is a psychological thriller about a young woman who takes in a roommate who quickly becomes overly obsessed with her. As their relationship intensifies, the protagonist finds herself in increasing danger as her roommate’s true intentions are revealed.

2. Who stars in Single White Female?

The film stars Bridget Fonda as the protagonist, Allie Jones, and Jennifer Jason Leigh as her manipulative and obsessive roommate, Hedra Carlson.

3. Is Single White Female based on a true story?

No, Single White Female is not based on a true story. However, it was loosely inspired by the novel “SWF Seeks Same” by John Lutz.

4. When was Single White Female released?

The movie was released on August 14, 1992.

5. Who directed Single White Female?

The film was directed by Barbet Schroeder, a renowned French filmmaker known for his work in suspense and thrillers.

6. What is the runtime of Single White Female?

The film has a runtime of 107 minutes.

7. Is Single White Female available to stream online?

Streaming availability may vary based on your location and subscription services. It is recommended to check popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu for availability.

8. What are some similar movies to Single White Female?

If you enjoyed Single White Female, you may also like movies such as “Fatal Attraction” and “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” which explore similar themes of obsession and manipulation.

9. Did Single White Female receive any awards or nominations?

While Single White Female did not receive major awards or nominations, it remains a cult classic and continues to be recognized as a standout film in the psychological thriller genre.

10. Why is Single White Female considered a must-see movie?

Single White Female is considered a must-see movie due to its gripping plot, strong performances, and its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film’s exploration of obsession and identity makes it a memorable and thrilling cinematic experience.

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