Queering the Canon: SINGLE WHITE FEMALE (1992)
An outrageous erotic thriller and psychological roller coaster, this iconic example of 90s Hollywood sensationalism is captivating camp best seen with an audience
Description
Upon dumping her philandering fiance, emerging entrepreneur Allie (Bridget Fonda) advertises for a roommate to cohabitate in her spacious, rent-stabilized Upper West Side apartment.
Thus enters the seemingly shy and considerate Hedra (Jennifer Jason Leigh) – an initially ideal fit who provides a balm for Allie’s heartbreak and loneliness. They quickly become two peas in a pod – sharing fashion advice, late nights with old movies, and strolls with ice cream. But when Allie decides to give her ex-fiance a second chance and jilts her new flatmate, Hedra’s demure demeanor begins to shift and increasingly sour.
An outrageous erotic thriller and psychological roller coaster, SINGLE WHITE FEMALE is an iconic example of 90s Hollywood sensationalism, resulting in a deliriously queer combination of transgressive tropes and captivating camp best seen with an audience.
Part of Queering the Canon: So Obsessed
Director
Barbet Schroeder
Writer
Don Roos
Cast
Bridget Fonda, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Steven Weber, Peter Friedman