Movie Overview
Directed by Gary Fleder, Kiss the Girls is a gripping 1997 psychological thriller that anchors itself in the crime and mystery genres. The film stars Morgan Freeman as Dr. Alex Cross, a dedicated forensic psychologist and detective who plunges into a terrifying case when his beloved niece goes missing. The trail leads him to North Carolina, where he encounters Kate McTiernan, played by Ashley Judd. McTiernan is a determined doctor and the only woman to have ever escaped the clutches of a sadistic serial killer who calls himself Casanova. Realizing that the police are out of their depth, Cross and McTiernan form an uneasy alliance to hunt down the predator before he strikes again. The plot thickens as they uncover a collection of women held captive by Casanova, leading to a tense and dangerous investigation. The supporting cast includes Cary Elwes, who adds further complexity to the narrative. While the film received mixed reviews from critics—holding a 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 46 score on Metacritic—it has been recognized with several award nominations. Despite the critical divide, Kiss the Girls is often praised for its atmospheric tension and the strong chemistry between Freeman and Judd. The movie explores dark themes of obsession and survival, maintaining a serious tone throughout its 115-minute runtime. For fans of 90s crime dramas and serial killer mysteries, this film offers a suspenseful experience driven by a solid ensemble cast and a twist-filled narrative. It remains a notable entry in the genre for those looking for a classic cat-and-mouse thriller.
