Kiss the Girls, released in theaters on October 3, 1997, is a chilling psychological thriller that fuses mystery, horror, and crime drama, elevated by the gravity of Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. Directed by Gary Fleder, the film adapts James Patterson’s novel, weaving a complex tale of serial abduction and dark secrets beneath the surface of idyllic North Carolina.
Dr. Alex Cross (Freeman), a Washington, D.C. detective and forensic psychologist, is drawn personally into the case when his niece Naomi goes missing at college in Durham, North Carolina. On his arrival, Cross discovers that numerous intelligent, accomplished young women have vanished in the area, sparking local and federal investigation.
Among the missing is Dr. Kate McTiernan (Judd), a resilient physician and kickboxer who’s abducted by a masked captor calling himself Casanova.
Held with other captives in an underground lair, Kate becomes determined to escape.
She overpowers Casanova and survives a harrowing flight through the woods, leaping into a river and escaping to safety.
Her courage and memory are vital for Cross as they attempt to profile and track Casanova, eventually linking him to another killer, the Gentleman Caller, who operates on the West Coast.
The dual investigation takes them to California, culminating in a violent confrontation in which Cross discovers that the sadistic killers coordinate from opposite sides of the country, escalating the stakes and terror for their victims.
A sequel titled Along Came a Spider starring Freeman and Monica Potter was released in 2001.
Morgan Freeman in Kiss the Girls (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Performances and Mood
Freeman delivers gravitas and empathy as Cross, balancing intellect with warmth.
Judd offers grit and vulnerability, making Kate a compelling survivor.
The supporting cast including Cary Elwes, Tony Goldwyn, Jay O. Sanders, Brian Cox, Richard T. Jones, and Jeremy Piven builds a web of suspicion and distrust that fuels the film’s suspense.
Reception for Kiss the Girls
Kiss the Girls grossed $13.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $60.5 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Kiss the Girls stands as one of the signature thrillers of the ’90s, popularizing the “criminal mastermind vs. genius detective” template in mainstream cinema.
Its taut suspense, clever twists, and atmospheric direction paved the way for future adaptations and sequels.
The film’s success led to the Alex Cross franchise and cemented Freeman’s image as the quintessential wise investigator, while Judd’s performance became a reference point for strong female leads in crime thrillers.
