Overview:

Poison Ivy (1992) is the film that launched the Poison Ivy franchise, establishing itself as a cult classic in the genre of erotic thrillers. Directed by Katt Shea, the film stars Drew Barrymore as the seductive and dangerous Ivy, alongside Sara Gilbert, Tom Skerritt, and Cheryl Ladd. At its core, Poison Ivy is a psychological drama about manipulation, desire, and the destructive effects of envy and ambition.

Barrymore’s portrayal of Ivy was a significant departure from her earlier child star roles, and it marked her entry into more adult, edgy performances. The film's blend of dark, erotic themes with a coming-of-age narrative set it apart from other thrillers of the early 90s, although its sensationalism and controversial subject matter drew mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, Poison Ivy remains a powerful example of 90s cinema that pushed boundaries.

Plot Summary:

The story follows Sylvie Cooper (Sara Gilbert), a quiet, awkward teenage girl from an affluent but dysfunctional family. Sylvie meets Ivy (Drew Barrymore), a charismatic, rebellious girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Ivy exudes confidence and sensuality, qualities that fascinate and intrigue the lonely Sylvie, who soon invites Ivy into her world.

At first, Ivy seems like the perfect friend, bonding with Sylvie and inserting herself into Sylvie’s troubled family life. Ivy becomes especially close to Sylvie’s wealthy but emotionally distant father, Darrel Cooper (Tom Skerritt), and her sickly mother, Georgie (Cheryl Ladd). However, as Ivy grows more integrated into the Cooper family, her true intentions begin to surface.

Ivy’s manipulative nature takes control as she seduces Darrel and drives a wedge between him and his wife, taking advantage of the family's cracks to further her own ambitions. As Sylvie starts to realize Ivy’s destructive influence, it becomes a battle of wills, with Ivy determined to claim everything Sylvie holds dear. The film builds toward a dark and twisted climax as Ivy’s dangerous seduction spirals out of control.

Themes:

Poison Ivy explores several key themes, with the most prominent being manipulation and the idea of the femme fatale. Ivy’s character embodies the archetypal seductress who uses her sexuality and charm to manipulate those around her for personal gain. The film’s portrayal of Ivy reflects the tension between innocence and corruption, as Ivy appears to befriend Sylvie while simultaneously undermining her family.

Another major theme is loneliness and the desire for connection. Sylvie is an outsider both at school and at home, where her parents’ failing marriage and her mother’s illness leave her feeling isolated. Ivy represents an escape from this isolation—a confidante and a representation of freedom. Yet Ivy’s dangerous allure comes with a price, as her presence in Sylvie’s life leads to emotional and physical destruction.

Class tension also plays a role in the film, with Ivy’s background contrasting starkly with Sylvie’s privileged upbringing. Ivy’s envy of Sylvie’s material wealth, and the seemingly perfect life she imagines, fuels her desire to insert herself into the Cooper family and take over Sylvie’s life. This dynamic highlights the dangerous power of envy and ambition, as Ivy’s thirst for more leads her down a morally dark path.

Performances:

Drew Barrymore’s portrayal of Ivy is the film’s standout performance. Barrymore embodies the seductive yet menacing character with a mixture of youthful vulnerability and calculated manipulation. As Ivy, she walks the fine line between sympathetic and villainous, making her a complex and compelling figure. Barrymore’s performance captures the magnetic charm that draws both the Coopers and the audience into Ivy’s web of deceit.

Sara Gilbert, as Sylvie, provides a strong counterbalance to Barrymore’s Ivy. Gilbert plays Sylvie as introverted and awkward, but with a growing sense of awareness and strength as Ivy’s true nature is revealed. Her internal conflict is central to the film, as she navigates feelings of admiration, jealousy, and betrayal toward Ivy.

Tom Skerritt, as Darrel Cooper, plays the role of a middle-aged man who is easily seduced by Ivy’s youthful beauty. His portrayal of Darrel adds layers to the character, showing a man in crisis who is torn between his responsibilities as a father and his own selfish desires. Cheryl Ladd’s portrayal of Georgie, the ailing mother, brings a tragic element to the film, as she is increasingly sidelined by Ivy’s influence.

Direction and Cinematography:

Director Katt Shea brings a stylish, moody aesthetic to Poison Ivy. The film’s visual style mirrors Ivy’s allure, with scenes drenched in atmospheric lighting, particularly during the more intimate and dangerous moments. Shea captures the emotional undercurrents of each scene through careful use of color and shadow, giving the film a sensual, almost dreamlike quality at times.

The pacing of the film is deliberate, with tension building gradually as Ivy ingrains herself deeper into the Cooper family. Shea's direction emphasizes the psychological games Ivy plays, allowing the audience to feel the growing sense of dread as Ivy manipulates everyone around her. The climactic moments are well-executed, with a final confrontation that feels both inevitable and shocking.

The film’s erotic scenes are handled with a sense of danger, maintaining a balance between sensuality and menace. Rather than relying purely on explicit content, Shea uses these moments to further explore Ivy’s power dynamics with Darrel and the rest of the Cooper family. The result is a thriller that doesn’t shy away from its dark themes but also doesn’t exploit them for shock value.

Action and Suspense:

While Poison Ivy isn’t an action-heavy film, it creates suspense through its character dynamics and slow-burn tension. Ivy’s seduction of Darrel and manipulation of Sylvie provide the central conflict, and the stakes rise as Ivy’s plans come closer to fruition. The film’s suspense hinges on whether Sylvie will recognize Ivy’s true intentions before it’s too late, and whether Darrel will succumb entirely to Ivy’s charms.

The climax of the film delivers a tense confrontation between Ivy and Sylvie, culminating in a shocking and emotionally charged final act. This sequence brings the underlying tension to a head, resolving the story in a way that is both tragic and inevitable.

Criticism:

One of the film’s primary criticisms lies in its portrayal of Ivy’s character, who at times feels underdeveloped. While Barrymore’s performance is captivating, the script doesn’t delve deeply enough into Ivy’s backstory or motivations. Ivy’s actions seem driven by a combination of envy, ambition, and a desire for control, but the film doesn’t fully explore the psychological reasons behind her behavior.

Additionally, some viewers may find the relationship between Ivy and Darrel uncomfortable, as it borders on exploitative given the age difference and power dynamics at play. While this discomfort is intentional and central to the film’s themes, it can be off-putting for some audiences.

The film also suffers from a few pacing issues, particularly in its middle section. Certain scenes feel drawn out, which can cause the tension to lag at points before picking up again in the final act.

Conclusion:

Poison Ivy remains a defining example of the 90s erotic thriller, combining psychological drama with themes of manipulation, power, and desire. Drew Barrymore’s breakout performance as Ivy anchors the film, offering a character who is both alluring and dangerous, while Sara Gilbert’s Sylvie provides an effective emotional core.

While the film is not without its flaws, particularly in its pacing and character development, it succeeds in creating a tense, moody atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged. The film’s exploration of envy, sexuality, and family dynamics adds depth to what could have otherwise been a more conventional thriller.

For fans of dark, psychological thrillers or those interested in seeing Barrymore in one of her most iconic early adult roles, Poison Ivy is worth watching. Its blend of suspense and sensuality makes it a memorable, if unsettling, entry in the genre.