Cruel Intentions 2016
Fifteen years after her brother's tragic passing, Kathryn Merteuil returns to reclaim her ruthless influence over the Valmont family empire in this gripping 2016 drama-thriller.
Director: Roger Kumble
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cruel Intentions (2016) about?
The 2016 sequel follows Kathryn Merteuil as she plots to manipulate her nephew and seize control of the Valmont family's global business empire. Her scheme unfolds against a backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal vendetta, testing the bonds of family and loyalty.
Who directed Cruel Intentions?
Roger Kumble, known for his work on teen dramas like Cruel Intentions (1999), directed this 2016 pilot.
Who stars in Cruel Intentions?
Sarah Michelle Gellar leads the cast as Kathryn Merteuil, joined by Peter Gallagher, Kate Levering, and Samantha Logan in pivotal roles.
Is Cruel Intentions (2016) worth watching?
With its sharp performances and high-stakes narrative, Cruel Intentions (2016) offers a satisfying if brief thrill ride for fans of psychological drama. While it didn't spawn a full series, its standalone story feels complete and compelling.
How long is Cruel Intentions?
Cruel Intentions (2016) runs for 45 minutes.
About Cruel Intentions (2016) — A dark thriller where ambition outruns morality
Fifteen years after her brother's tragic passing, Kathryn Merteuil returns to reclaim her ruthless influence over the Valmont family empire in this gripping 2016 drama-thriller. Director Roger Kumble crafts a tale of manipulation and ambition that swaps high-school scheming for corporate power plays, where greed and revenge collide in the shadows of Valmont International. With a moody, high-stakes atmosphere, the film explores the cost of control through Kathryn's chilling efforts to shape her nephew's destiny and secure her own legacy. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar in a deliciously wicked role, Cruel Intentions (2016) blends psychological tension with sharp dialogue, offering a modern take on classic betrayal tropes.
Set against the gleaming towers of Manhattan's elite, the story unfolds like a dark fable, exposing the cracks in family loyalty and the lengths people will go to win. Kumble's direction infuses the narrative with a brooding intensity, while the ensemble cast—featuring Peter Gallagher, Kate Levering, and Samantha Logan—delivers performances that crackle with tension. Whether you're drawn to its themes of power and vengeance or simply love a well-acted thriller, this 45-minute TV movie pilot packs a punch far beyond its runtime.