Are Cruel People Cool? New “Cruel Intentions” Reboot Explores Manipulation and Charm
The highly anticipated reboot of "Cruel Intentions" premieres Thursday on Prime Video, reigniting the debate: Are cruel people truly cool? Based on the classic French novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," adapted into a Broadway hit and an iconic 1999 teen film, this modern take unfolds in the competitive landscape of a Washington, D.C. college where fraternity and sorority hierarchies reign supreme.
At the center of the story are the twisted step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil, played by Sarah Catherine Cook, and Lucien Belmont, portrayed by Zac Burgess. Both actors are enthusiastic about portraying their morally ambiguous characters; Cook notes, "I would say cruel people are cool people for the sake of our show." Burgess echoes this sentiment, highlighting the complexity of his character.
For Burgess, who is from Australia, mastering the American accent and capturing the essence of his character posed challenges. However, he recalls that the experience ultimately led to significant personal growth. Cook, in contrast, successfully crafted Caroline’s character by emphasizing a grounded, observational approach rather than a stereotypical "mean girl" portrayal. Together, they create a dynamic interplay between charm and manipulation, with Cook describing her character as a “jungle cat” who assesses and anticipates her prey.
Both actors regard “Cruel Intentions” as a major turning point in their careers. With all eight episodes set to drop on November 21, audiences will have a front-row seat to witness the cunning intrigue and dark allure that define this exploration of human relationships. The show promises a fresh yet familiar take on the themes of deception and allure that captivated audiences in its predecessors.
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