Bad Girls (released in theaters on April 22, 1994) rides into the sunset with the story of four unlikely outlaws seeking a fresh start in the American West. The plot centers on Cody (Madeleine Stowe), Anita (Mary Stuart Masterson), Eileen (Andie MacDowell), and Lily (Drew Barrymore), employees of a saloon in Echo City who are forced to flee after Cody kills an abusive customer in self-defense.
Escaping the hangman’s noose, the women decide to head to Oregon to claim land and start a new life.
However, their plans are derailed when Cody’s life savings are stolen by her treacherous former lover, the outlaw Kid Jarrett.
The narrative transforms into a high-stakes tale of revenge and survival as the quartet tracks Jarrett’s gang across the rugged frontier.
Along the way, they must contend with relentless Pinkerton agents, shifting loyalties, and the harsh realities of a lawless land, eventually culminating in a violent confrontation where they must prove they are just as formidable as any gunman on the trail.
Stowe brings a fierce, steely resolve to the role of Cody, serving as the group’s natural leader.
She is balanced by Masterson, who provides a grounded vulnerability as Anita, and MacDowell, who portrays the refined Eileen with a quiet strength.
Barrymore rounds out the central four with her signature rebellious energy as the impulsive Lily.
The film’s antagonist is played with menacing grit by James Russo, while James LeGros and Dermot Mulroney provide a blend of charm and danger as the men who cross their paths.
Adding to the film’s weight is the legendary Robert Loggia, who brings his veteran presence to the role of a seasoned lawman, ensuring the ensemble feels rooted in the classic Western tradition.
Jonathan Kaplan (Unlawful Entry, The Accused) directed the film.
Drew Barrymore in Bad Girls (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for Bad Girls
Bad Girls grossed $5 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $15.2 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Bad Girls‘ legacy is its place as a rare, female-led entry in the Western genre during a decade that was attempting to revitalize the frontier mythos.
While the nineties saw several high-profile Westerns, this production stood out by placing women in the roles of the primary action heroes, challenging the traditional gender dynamics of the “Old West.”
It remains a significant cult favorite for fans of its lead actresses, particularly for showcasing Barrymore’s versatility during her career resurgence.
The movie is often discussed for its stylish cinematography and its earnest attempt to blend the tropes of the classic shoot-’em-up with a more modern perspective on sisterhood and independence.
Bad Girls‘ enduring appeal lies in its spirited subversion of expectations, proving that the tales of the frontier have room for many different types of outlaws.
