Hard Candy

Name: Hard Candy
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Released: April 14, 2006
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 58
Cast: Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson

2006

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 30 Critics

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 283 Ratings

See All

8.1

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.1	Your Score
8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 283 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

HARD CANDY

Movie Details & Credits

Lions Gate Films | Release Date: April 14, 2006

Starring: Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson

Summary: A cat-and-mouse psychotic thriller as incisive as it is stylish, Hard Candy delivers a provocative take on the revenge drama while jangling nerves at every turn. The film plunges us into an unstable universe where we cannot readily identify the "good guy" in the tense confrontation between a 14-year-old girl and the 32-year-old man sheA cat-and-mouse psychotic thriller as incisive as it is stylish, Hard Candy delivers a provocative take on the revenge drama while jangling nerves at every turn. The film plunges us into an unstable universe where we cannot readily identify the "good guy" in the tense confrontation between a 14-year-old girl and the 32-year-old man she suspects of pedophilia and murder. (Lionsgate)… Expand

Director: David Slade

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller

Rating: R

Runtime: 104 min

See All Details and Credits

Awards & Rankings

61	#61 Most Discussed Movie of 2006
33	#33 Most Shared Movie of 2006

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy On

Stream On

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Film Threat - Eric Campos

A tough sit, but it attracts more than repels you. It commands your attention. Once it lands its hooks in you, there's no tearing away. Read full review

Charlotte Observer - Lawrence Toppman

The film was reputedly inspired by Japanese teens who trolled chat rooms to find predators, made assignments, then ganged up to beat offending adults. Read full review

ReelViews - James Berardinelli

These are two fascinating characters, and watching them thrust and parry proves to be as impossible to turn away from as observing a grotesque roadside accident. Read full review

Miami Herald - Peter Debruge

The most extreme English-language studio release I've seen in years. Read full review

Boston Globe - Ty Burr

Hard Candy is the rare movie that may be worthiest for the arguments you'll have after it's over. Read full review

Baltimore Sun - Gene Seymour

As gripping as Hard Candy is, one can't quite shake the feeling that we're the ones being exploited by its mordant blend of kinky revenge fantasy and push-me-pull-you moral vision. Read full review

Chicago Reader - Jonathan Rosenbaum

Tautly directed by David Slade, this drama probably offers more sadism than anyone could possibly want...The characters are absurd, but if you're up for this sort of thing, then surely you can con yourself into accepting them. Personally, I'd rather have this movie obliterated from my memory. Read full review

SEE ALL 30 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

SeanM.

May 5, 2006

Very intense and unsettling psychological drama. Great performances, not over the top, although some of the scenes definitely are. Two big thumbs up from me.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

EmanueleS.

Jul 22, 2008

Absolutely fantastic: actors director and photography are perfect.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

gagaforever

Sep 20, 2010

A very disturbing, but great movie. When I first saw that Ellen Page was the lead I watched it. I soon found out that young people are not always innocent. The last line of the movie when she says "Or Not" really shows that if you are convincing you can get anyone to believe you. AA very disturbing, but great movie. When I first saw that Ellen Page was the lead I watched it. I soon found out that young people are not always innocent. The last line of the movie when she says "Or Not" really shows that if you are convincing you can get anyone to believe you. A shocking thrill ride that will make you cringe, cry and maybe even smile a little… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

worleyjamers

Jun 2, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A brilliant film. The film does leave one major question unanswered...who is Hayley?...but that does not stop this brave film from being unbelievably intense. Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson are absolutely terrific, and Sandra Oh is effective in her tiny role. A must-see film starring Ellen Page, pre-Juno.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

jimmytancredi

Sep 3, 2011

The tense atmosphere created by the David Slade is sensational, fully appropriate to the situation. The script outputs can find some questionable time to time, but the film is directed behind to perfectness. The performances need no comment. Page and Wilson support the film with great skill,The tense atmosphere created by the David Slade is sensational, fully appropriate to the situation. The script outputs can find some questionable time to time, but the film is directed behind to perfectness. The performances need no comment. Page and Wilson support the film with great skill, the progression of the tension is admirable, the expressions full of nuances and subjectivity. Movies that are supported primarily through dialogue efficiently are difficult to make. It all depends on how elaborate and interesting are the characters, their goals and their stories. â… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

NickD.

Jan 27, 2007

Starts off intriguing and tense, but ends up dragging its feet to a silly conclusion all the while transforming the main character into someone irrational and unrealistic. Would have been better as an 80 minute thriller without all the extra twists and turns toward the end.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Mike

Oct 9, 2006

The first 15 mins of the movie, were great! Very interesting and it kept me interested in what would have happened next. But then it went down hill it kept on getting more and more unbelievable, stay away from this movie!

0 of 2 users found this helpful

SEE ALL 68 REVIEWS