The Crush (5 Stars)

"The Crush" is a film that gets better with repeated viewings. I've watched it several times over the years, and my opinion hasn't changed. It's a superb psychological thriller that gradually develops into something considerably darker.

The story revolves around Nick Eliot (Cary Elwes), a journalist who moves into a guest house belonging to a lawyer and his wife. Their fourteen-year-old daughter, Adrienne (Alicia Silverstone), develops an obsession with him. What begins as an apparently innocent teenage crush soon becomes something much more disturbing.

Alicia Silverstone is the real revelation here. She was only 15 when she made the film, but already demonstrated considerable acting ability. Watching her facial expressions closely, I was impressed by how much she could communicate without saying anything. She could look innocent, amused, flirtatious or downright menacing, sometimes within the same scene. It's a remarkable performance, and she makes Adrienne a fascinating character. We can understand her infatuation without ever having to approve of her behaviour.

Cary Elwes is competent as Nick. His performance is convincing, but somehow he's not memorable. After watching "The Crush" you'll be left with a lasting impression of Alicia Silversone, but you'll barely remember the actor who played opposite her.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. The first half is dreamlike, with beautiful surroundings and an apparently peaceful domestic setting. Beneath the surface, however, there's an increasing sense of unease. The film takes its time establishing the psychological situation before gradually revealing its darker side. By the final act, the atmosphere has changed completely, and the tension becomes almost unbearable.

I find Nick an interesting character because he's not entirely immune to Adrienne's charms. He's attracted to her, but he's also an adult who understands the boundaries he mustn't cross. His predicament is more complicated than that of an ordinary innocent victim, and I think this makes the psychological conflict considerably more interesting.

"The Crush" isn't particularly well regarded by film critics, something I've never understood. It's beautifully constructed, has an excellent central performance and knows exactly how to build suspense. I've always enjoyed it, and another viewing has done nothing to diminish my enthusiasm.

It's one of my favourite films. I ought to watch it more often, but I have thousands of other films on my shelf. So many films, so little time.

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