The Rules of Attraction (2002) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Rules of Attraction (2002), directed by Roger Avary, is an unapologetically dark and satirical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel of the same name. Known for its unflinching portrayal of 1980s excess, debauchery, and disillusionment, this film explores the chaotic lives of students at a fictional liberal arts college. With a non-linear narrative, offbeat characters, and a raw depiction of sex, drugs, and fractured relationships, The Rules of Attraction is a divisive film that stands out for its bold and experimental approach.
If you’re wondering whether this controversial film is worth watching and where to stream it in 2024, here’s a comprehensive review and guide.
Plot Overview: A Darkly Comic Love Triangle
The film follows three main characters: Sean Bateman (James Van Der Beek), Lauren Hynde (Shannyn Sossamon), and Paul Denton (Ian Somerhalder), who are all entangled in a love triangle at the fictional Camden College.
- Sean Bateman is a drug-dealing, emotionally unstable student (and the younger brother of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho) who is infatuated with Lauren, even though his life is spinning out of control.
- Lauren Hynde is the idealistic yet disillusioned girl who wants to lose her virginity to her boyfriend Victor, who is off traveling through Europe. She tries to distance herself from the toxic campus culture but finds herself inevitably pulled into it.
- Paul Denton, a bisexual student who once had a fling with Lauren, becomes infatuated with Sean, creating a complex web of attraction that none of the characters can escape.
The movie is filled with parties, casual hook-ups, unrequited love, and the emotional emptiness that comes with a life of excess. However, what sets The Rules of Attraction apart from other college dramas is its unflinchingly nihilistic perspective and its unique narrative structure.
The film uses non-linear storytelling, split screens, rewinding scenes, and unconventional cinematography to heighten the sense of confusion and chaos that the characters are experiencing. The dark humor and biting social commentary reflect Bret Easton Ellis’s signature critique of youth culture, privilege, and moral decay.
Why Watch The Rules of Attraction?
The Rules of Attraction is a polarizing film that straddles the line between dark comedy and existential drama. It’s a raw, gritty portrayal of college life, offering no illusions or sentimentality about the experiences of its characters. Instead of presenting a coming-of-age story, the film explores themes of unfulfilled desires, loneliness, and the moral bankruptcy of a generation obsessed with self-gratification.
Key Highlights of the Film:
- James Van Der Beek’s Performance
Best known for his role as the wholesome Dawson in Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s portrayal of the troubled, hedonistic Sean Bateman is a stark contrast to his previous work. He brings a dark intensity to the character, portraying Sean as an emotionally detached, morally bankrupt individual, which shocked audiences familiar with his earlier TV persona. His performance is one of the most memorable aspects of the film. - Unique Cinematography and Editing
Roger Avary employs a variety of stylistic choices that give the film a distinctive feel. The use of split screens, jump cuts, and time rewinding sequences, particularly in Paul’s backward European trip montage, creates a disorienting experience that reflects the emotional chaos of the characters. These techniques serve to heighten the sense of disillusionment and aimlessness that permeates the film. - Brutal Honesty and Dark Humor
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of college life, from substance abuse and sexual exploits to unrequited love and self-destructive behavior. There’s a bleak honesty in its depiction of a generation lost in a haze of nihilism and superficiality. The film’s humor is dark, often bordering on the absurd, providing moments of levity amidst the intense subject matter. - A Stellar Ensemble Cast
In addition to Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon and Ian Somerhalder also deliver strong performances. Sossamon portrays Lauren with a sense of vulnerability, while Somerhalder’s portrayal of the flamboyant Paul adds a layer of complexity and humor to the love triangle. Supporting roles from Jessica Biel and Kip Pardue further add depth to the ensemble.
Is The Rules of Attraction Worth Watching Today?
The Rules of Attraction is not a film for everyone. Its nihilistic tone, explicit content, and unconventional storytelling can be off-putting to some viewers. However, for those who appreciate dark satire and experimental filmmaking, this movie offers a compelling critique of youth culture and excess. The film’s bold approach makes it a standout in the genre of college dramas, and its themes of disillusionment and emotional detachment are as relevant today as they were in the early 2000s.
The film doesn’t offer easy resolutions or feel-good moments but rather serves as a stark reflection of the emotional emptiness that can accompany a life driven by self-indulgence and superficiality. If you’re a fan of Bret Easton Ellis’s work or films like American Psycho, The Rules of Attraction is definitely worth revisiting in 2024.
Where to Watch The Rules of Attraction Online in 2024
If you’re looking to stream The Rules of Attraction in 2024, there are several options available on popular platforms:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video
The Rules of Attraction is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Prime members can rent or purchase the film, making it easily accessible to a broad audience. Prices for rental typically start at $3.99, and purchasing it digitally costs around $12.99. - Hulu
You can stream The Rules of Attraction on Hulu if you have the Starz add-on package. Hulu often hosts films that have a cult following, and The Rules of Attraction fits well into their library of edgy dramas and dark comedies. - Starz
Starz, either as a standalone subscription or via platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime, offers The Rules of Attraction as part of its film library. Starz is known for its diverse selection of films, from blockbusters to indie classics. - Peacock
Some regions may have the film available on Peacock. While Peacock typically has a mix of free and premium content, The Rules of Attraction may be part of their premium offering.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you’d prefer to rent or buy The Rules of Attraction, here are some of the most popular platforms where you can do so:
- Apple TV (iTunes)
The Rules of Attraction can be rented or purchased on Apple TV. Rentals usually start at $3.99, and purchasing the movie will cost around $12.99. - Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play offers the film for rental and purchase. You can rent it for $3.99, or buy it for $9.99 to $12.99, depending on the quality (SD or HD). - YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies is another option where you can rent or purchase the film. Like Google Play, rentals are typically $3.99, and purchases are priced similarly. - Vudu
Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for The Rules of Attraction. Rental prices start at $2.99, and purchasing the film costs around $9.99.
Final Verdict: A Polarizing but Bold Film
The Rules of Attraction is a film that doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of college life, delivering a satirical and often uncomfortable examination of excess, nihilism, and emotional disconnection. For some, it may feel too cynical or experimental, but for others, it’s a cult classic that captures the essence of Bret Easton Ellis’s biting social commentary.
With standout performances from James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon, and Ian Somerhalder, combined with its bold storytelling techniques, The Rules of Attraction remains a thought-provoking watch over two decades after its release. Whether you’re revisiting the film or experiencing it for the first time, The Rules of Attraction is sure to leave an impression.
Streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Starz, or available for rent and purchase on various digital services, this film continues to find its place among fans of dark, unconventional cinema.
