The Last Seduction – Review

In New York City, Bridget Gregory (Fiorentino) runs a crew of tele-salesmen, demanding they ask at least 4 times per call for a sale. She is a strict boss, and leaves no margin for error. Push those products! Make those sales!

Meanwhile, Clay Gregory (Pullman) sells pharmaceutical cocaine under a bridge. A perfect couple? Back home at their apartment, Bridget wants to see the cash from the deal, but Clay smacks her for calling him an idiot over him carrying the cash through the streets stuffed in his shirt. Okay, maybe not so perfect.

Clay flaunts the dough as a realization of their collective dreams, though he knows he needs to square a loan shark first. Time to shower! But wait… the cash is just sitting there… Bridget’s conscience tells her that maybe she is better off with this money, and without the loser Clay. So begins a criminal extravaganza!

The Last Seduction is a classic story and a solid crime story. It features many well realized noir elements and has some excellent actors in memorable characters that bring it all to life. It is an interesting watch with some good twists, some dark comedy, strong dialogue and deviously fun characters. While its simple setup has been seen before, this film sets itself apart through the script and notable moments.

Fiorentino’s ice queen runs the show, but Peter Berg’s slow and trusting Mike Swale is also a good time. Competently directed, The Last Seduction should be seen by crime and noir film enthusiasts, or anyone in the mood for a twisty money grabbing murder story.

There is an extended cut which runs another 20+ minutes longer, and while I haven’t seen it, I would imagine that pacing is an issue. This cut adds deleted scenes back into the film, however they are not fully finished through post-production and the quality will vary.

There is also a poorly received sequel to this film, The Last Seduction II, but based on word of mouth, I’d skip it…