Kiss the Girls (1997), directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson’s novel, is a psychological thriller that follows forensic psychologist Dr. Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) as he investigates a series of kidnappings in Durham, North Carolina. The film also stars Ashley Judd as Dr. Kate McTiernan, a victim who escapes her captor and aids Cross in his pursuit of the serial killer known as “Casanova.”

Dr. Alex Cross travels to Durham after his niece, Naomi, goes missing. He discovers that multiple young women have disappeared under similar circumstances. Dr. Kate McTiernan is abducted by a masked man calling himself Casanova. She awakens in a secluded lair with other captive women. Demonstrating resilience, Kate escapes by leaping into a river and survives the ordeal.

Kate collaborates with Cross, providing crucial details about her captivity. Their investigation leads them to Dr. William Rudolph in California, who is linked to a series of similar crimes. They uncover that Rudolph, dubbed the “Gentleman Caller,” and Casanova are partners, operating on opposite coasts and sharing their crimes.

The duo tracks Rudolph to a cabin, resulting in a confrontation where Rudolph is killed, but Casanova escapes. Back in North Carolina, Cross deduces that Detective Nick Ruskin is Casanova. In a climactic scene, Cross confronts Ruskin at Kate’s home, ultimately shooting him through a milk carton to prevent a gas explosion, ensuring Kate’s safety.

Ending Explained

The film’s climax reveals that Detective Nick Ruskin, a trusted law enforcement officer, is the elusive Casanova. His partnership with Rudolph allowed them to abduct women across the country. The final confrontation at Kate’s home ends with Cross fatally shooting Ruskin, bringing the case to a close and rescuing the remaining captives, including Naomi.

Analysis

Kiss the Girls delves into themes of duality and deception, highlighting how evil can hide behind respectable facades. The film emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination, as seen in Kate’s escape and collaboration with Cross. However, some critics noted that the plot’s complexity and multiple twists might detract from the narrative’s coherence.

Reviews

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: 34% critic score, 62% audience score. Rotten Tomatoes
• IMDb: 6.6/10 based on user ratings.

Critics’ Opinions:

Rita Kempley of The Washington Post described it as a tense and creepy thriller but noted a lack of explanation for Casanova’s behavior.

Roger Ebert praised the performances of Freeman and Judd, stating that their chemistry added depth to the film.

Stephen Holden of The New York Times felt the film started promisingly but lost direction as it progressed. Wikipedia

Audience Reactions

Viewers appreciated the strong performances, particularly highlighting Ashley Judd’s portrayal of Kate McTiernan. Some fans of the Alex Cross series found the film engaging, while others felt it lacked the depth of the source material.

Final Verdict

Kiss the Girls offers a suspenseful narrative with compelling performances from its leads. While it may not fully capture the intricacies of Patterson’s novel, the film provides a gripping exploration of a complex criminal case. Its examination of hidden evil and the strength of its protagonists make it a noteworthy entry in the psychological thriller genre.

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