✅ “Pretty Thing (2025)” is a gripping erotic thriller that delves into the dark side of obsession and power dynamics in relationships. Directed by Justin Kelly and starring Alicia Silverstone and Karl Glusman, the film explores what happens when a casual affair spirals out of control. Premiering on July 4, 2025, the movie follows a successful executive whose decision to end a passionate relationship with a younger man ignites a terrifying battle against his escalating, dangerous fixation. Blending elements of psychological drama and suspense, “Pretty Thing” promises to keep audiences on edge as it navigates themes of consent, control, and the unexpected consequences of a scorned lover.
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Pretty Thing
Director: Justin Kelly
Writers: Jack Donnelly
Stars: Karl Glusman, Alicia Silverstone, Catherine Curtin
Country: United States of America
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Languages: English
Overview: A successful executive fights back when a scorned young lover takes his obsession too far.
TMDb: View on TMDb
Pretty Thing (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Pretty Thing (2025)
- Language: English
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be a low to moderate budget for an indie thriller)
- Revenue: Not Applicable (Newly released, primarily streaming/digital)
- Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes)
- Initial Release: July 4, 2025 (USA)
- Genres: Thriller, Drama, Erotic Thriller, Mystery
- Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Karl Glusman, Catherine Curtin, Britne Oldford, Tammy Blanchard, Esteban Benito
- Director: Justin Kelly
- Screenplay: Jack Donnelly
- Producers: Jordan Beckerman, Jordan Yale Levine, Jesse Korman, Lexi Tannenholtz, Scott Levenson
- Production Companies: Yale Entertainment, LLC, Shout! Studios (Distributor)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Shout! Studios -
Image via Shout! Studios
Plot Summary
“Pretty Thing (2025)” is an intense erotic thriller that delves into the dangerous aftermath of a casual affair. The story centers on Sophie (Alicia Silverstone), a successful and confident executive nearing 50 who enjoys her independent, unattached life. She initiates a passionate, sexually charged relationship with Elliot (Karl Glusman), a younger, unassuming man. What begins as a seemingly liberated and non-committal fling, including a romantic trip to Paris, takes a dark turn when Sophie decides to end the relationship. Elliot, unable to accept her decision, descends into a terrifying obsession. He begins to stalk her, invading her personal and professional life with increasingly aggressive and disturbing actions. As Elliot’s fixation escalates, threatening to unravel Sophie’s meticulously built world and her sense of security, she is forced to confront him directly. The film evolves into a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game where Sophie must fight back to reclaim her life, challenging the conventional power dynamics often seen in such thrillers and exploring the profound psychological impact of a scorned lover’s relentless pursuit.
Cast & Crew
“Pretty Thing (2025)” features a compelling two-hander at its core, led by an intriguing cast. Alicia Silverstone takes on the role of Sophie, the successful executive whose life unravels due to a dangerous obsession. Silverstone’s performance is crucial in conveying Sophie’s initial confidence, her descent into fear, and her ultimate resolve to fight back. Her portrayal offers a nuanced look at a woman challenging traditional victim tropes. Opposite her is Karl Glusman as Elliot, the younger man whose infatuation turns menacing. Glusman’s ability to transition from charming lover to unsettling stalker is central to the film’s tension. His performance is expected to capture the unnerving blend of vulnerability and menace that drives the narrative.
The supporting cast includes seasoned actors like Catherine Curtin as Peggy, and Britne Oldford as Sam, who likely provide crucial perspectives or support in Sophie’s ordeal. Tammy Blanchard also features as Amanda, Sophie’s sister, potentially adding a personal dimension to the unfolding horror. The film is directed by Justin Kelly, known for exploring complex relationships and often provocative themes in his previous works. His direction is anticipated to bring a psychological intensity to the thriller, focusing on the intimate terrors rather than just jump scares. The screenplay, penned by Jack Donnelly, aims to craft a narrative that is both suspenseful and insightful into the dark side of human connection and obsession.
Critical & Audience Response
Having just been released on July 4, 2025, “Pretty Thing” is in the early stages of receiving critical and audience feedback, which appears to be mixed. Early reviews highlight Alicia Silverstone’s performance as a notable strength, with some critics praising her nuanced portrayal of a woman fighting back against a dangerous obsession, calling it one of her best. Karl Glusman’s portrayal of the increasingly unhinged Elliot is also receiving attention for its unsettling effectiveness. Critics are divided on the film’s overall effectiveness as an “erotic thriller.” Some commend its attempt to subvert genre tropes and ground the sexual warfare in a more realistic, albeit disturbing, manner. These positive critiques often point to the film’s psychological depth and ability to make the audience uncomfortable in a compelling way.
However, other early reviews express disappointment, finding the film to be lacking in genuine eroticism or sustained thrills. Some feel the pacing can be stilted, and the cinematography occasionally murky, diminishing the overall impact. There are also notes about the credibility of certain plot points and a perceived lack of development in character motivations, particularly towards the ending. Audience reception is just beginning to form, but initial sentiment suggests a similar division: those drawn to its psychological intensity and raw performances may find it compelling, while others seeking a more conventional or overtly thrilling experience might be left wanting. The film is sparking discussion due to its challenging themes and controversial ending, which may or may not satisfy all viewers.
Direction & Cinematography
Under the direction of Justin Kelly, “Pretty Thing (2025)” is expected to showcase his distinctive approach to character-driven, often uncomfortable narratives. Kelly’s direction typically focuses on exploring complex emotional landscapes and pushing boundaries, which is evident in his handling of this film’s themes of obsession and sexual power dynamics. He likely employs a deliberate pace, allowing the psychological tension to build gradually rather than relying on overt jump scares. His style often involves intimate, close-up shots that capture the subtle shifts in his characters’ emotions and the escalating dread.
While specific cinematography credits are not widely detailed yet, the film’s visual language is anticipated to be critical to its impact. Early reviews suggest a visual aesthetic that is sometimes described as “murky” or “dark,” which could be an intentional choice to reflect the escalating menace and ambiguity of the narrative. The cinematography will likely aim to create a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the sense of Sophie’s invaded privacy and growing fear. The visual style is expected to contribute significantly to the psychological immersion, making the audience feel the intensity of the characters’ internal and external conflicts.
Music & Background Score
The music and background score for “Pretty Thing (2025),” while the composer details are not yet widely publicized, are expected to play a crucial role in establishing the film’s tense and unsettling atmosphere. Given the film’s genre as an erotic thriller, the score will likely lean towards a minimalist, psychological approach rather than a grand orchestral one. Expect a combination of atmospheric textures, low, droning synths, and perhaps sparse, disquieting melodies that build suspense and underscore the characters’ internal turmoil. The music will likely subtly amplify the sense of dread and unease as Elliot’s obsession escalates, without being overtly manipulative. The score should ideally reflect the unsettling nature of the relationship, the invasion of privacy, and Sophie’s mounting fear, enhancing the psychological impact and keeping the audience on edge throughout the escalating conflict. It will be integral to creating the desired moody and suspenseful tone.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Pretty Thing (2025)” as a psychological and erotic thriller is not expected to be heavily reliant on extensive visual effects in the traditional blockbuster sense. Instead, its visual impact will likely come from its gritty realism and stylistic choices that enhance the film’s unsettling mood. The “special effects” will likely be practical in nature, focusing on realistic depictions of violence and physical confrontations as the story escalates. Close-up shots and intense, raw portrayals of the characters’ expressions and physical struggles will contribute significantly to the visual storytelling.
The film’s overall visual aesthetic will prioritize atmosphere over spectacle. This means careful attention to lighting, set design, and costume to reflect the characters’ states of mind and the escalating tension. The visuals are designed to immerse the audience in Sophie’s escalating nightmare, making the threat feel immediate and tangible. Any digital enhancements would likely be subtle, used for environmental details or to underscore psychological distortion rather than creating fantastical elements. The effectiveness of the visuals will lie in their ability to evoke a sense of creeping dread and claustrophobia, pushing the boundaries of an intimate thriller.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “Pretty Thing (2025)” is critical in shaping the film’s pacing and building its psychological tension. Given the thriller genre, the editing will likely employ a mix of deliberate, slow-burn cuts to establish atmosphere and escalating suspense, punctuated by sharper, more jarring cuts during moments of confrontation or shocking revelations. The rhythm of the editing will guide the audience through Sophie’s mounting dread and Elliot’s escalating obsession, ensuring a compelling narrative flow. The film’s short runtime of 96 minutes suggests a tight, efficient edit that focuses on key developments and character dynamics without unnecessary digressions.
The screenplay, penned by Jack Donnelly, is central to the film’s narrative and its exploration of power, obsession, and gender roles. The script attempts to subvert certain conventions of the erotic thriller by focusing on the woman’s agency and her fight back. It aims to develop the characters of Sophie and Elliot, portraying their initial attraction and Elliot’s subsequent descent into a dangerous fixation. The dialogue is crucial in revealing their personalities and the shifting dynamics of their relationship. The screenplay will be judged on its ability to maintain suspense, deliver believable character motivations, and provide a satisfying, albeit potentially controversial, resolution to the intense cat-and-mouse game at its heart.
Positives / What Works
“Pretty Thing (2025)” is praised for several key elements. Alicia Silverstone’s strong performance as Sophie is a significant highlight, with critics noting her ability to portray a complex character who fights back against her tormentor. Karl Glusman’s portrayal of Elliot is also effective, creating an unsettling and believable antagonist. The film’s premise offers a fresh take on the “erotic thriller” genre by focusing on the power dynamics and a woman’s agency in reclaiming her life. The psychological intensity and build-up of dread are often cited as strengths, maintaining tension throughout. Director Justin Kelly’s handling of the sensitive and often disturbing themes with a focus on realism rather than sensationalism is also seen as a positive, leading to a thought-provoking, albeit uncomfortable, viewing experience.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
Despite its strengths, “Pretty Thing (2025)” has received criticism for several aspects. Some reviewers found the film’s pacing to be uneven or too slow, particularly in its early stages, failing to consistently deliver on the “thriller” aspect. The “erotic” element is also debated, with some feeling it lacks genuine heat or is not sufficiently integrated into the suspense. Certain plot points or character motivations might strain credibility for some viewers, leading to moments that feel contrived. The cinematography has been described as murky, which, while potentially intentional, can make some scenes visually indistinct. Furthermore, the film’s unconventional and controversial ending has been polarizing, leaving some audiences dissatisfied or feeling that it undermines the preceding narrative. Its niche genre and intense subject matter might also limit its appeal to a broader audience.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Pretty Thing (2025)” is an intense and psychologically driven thriller that offers a modern, dark take on the classic stalker narrative. Anchored by compelling performances from Alicia Silverstone and Karl Glusman, the film effectively builds a sense of dread and explores the disturbing depths of obsession. While its deliberate pacing and gritty aesthetic might not appeal to all viewers, and its ending has proven divisive, the film’s strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of a woman reclaiming her power. It’s a challenging watch that aims to be more than just a typical genre piece, offering a thoughtful, albeit unsettling, commentary on relationships and control. For audiences who appreciate intimate psychological thrillers with strong performances and a willingness to explore uncomfortable themes, “Pretty Thing” is a worthwhile, albeit at times frustrating, cinematic experience that will spark discussion.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 3.4 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who are the main stars of "Pretty Thing (2025)"?
The film stars Alicia Silverstone as Sophie and Karl Glusman as Elliot.
What is the plot of "Pretty Thing (2025)"?
The film follows a successful executive who, after ending a casual affair with a younger man, finds herself terrorized by his dangerous and escalating obsession.
