Smart, below the belt, and oh-so black.
Much has been made of Ryder’s reunion with Heathers writer Daniel Waters, but in truth, she barely has 30 minutes of screen time here – if that.
The film’s focus is actually that of charming playboy Roderick Blank (Simon Baker). With impending nuptials looming, Roderick receives a mysterious email listing the names of “all the women he’s ever slept with, and ever would sleep with”.
Naturally, the charming rogue, with his shock of golden curls can’t leave well enough alone. In and out of Roderick’s scenes of conquest is a woman dubbed “Death Nell” (Ryder) – a femme fatale that targets men guilty of crimes against women.
Though her appearances are largely peripheral, Ryder manages to steal the movie. It’s not hard to believe Waters when he says he penned the role specifically for her. Death Nell, as the character is known for most of the film, is a character damaged rather than unhinged. In a lesser performer’s hands, the character’s clichéd cause would have all too easily alienated – and more than likely irritated.
Baker as the smooth Roderick, is charming instead of sleazy. Even as he ticks off his list of conquests, the audience still finds him likeable. Baker’s Roderick walks a fine line between lovable rogue and detestable womaniser. There’s a warmth to Roderick Blank that makes him human and fallible, rather than amorally reprehensible.
Though the film could have benefited from a tighter script, with some scenes running altogether too long, the overall result is a left of centre film that satisfies with its unexpected optimism.
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