Pretty Persuasion Poster

Pretty Persuasion 2005

★ 5.8143 votes109 min📅 2005-01-22

"The devil wears a grey skirt and her name is Kimberly Joyce."

In *Pretty Persuasion (2005)*, director Marcos Siega crafts a biting dark comedy set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic Beverly Hills high school.

Director: Marcos Siega

Cast

Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood
Kimberly Joyce
Selma Blair
Selma Blair
Grace Anderson
Jane Krakowski
Jane Krakowski
Emily Klein
Stark Sands
Stark Sands
Troy
Elisabeth Harnois
Elisabeth Harnois
Brittany
Jaime King
Jaime King
Kathy Joyce
James Snyder
Dave
James Woods
James Woods
Hank Joyce
Robert Joy
Robert Joy
Larry Horowitz
David Wagner
Morgan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pretty Persuasion (2005) about?

*Pretty Persuasion* follows Kimberly Joyce, a precocious 15-year-old who fabricates a sexual harassment allegation against her drama teacher, sparking a media storm. Her cunning plan unravels as alliances shift and consequences spiral out of control. Think *Heathers* meets *Election*, with a twist of 2000s suburban satire.

Who directed Pretty Persuasion?

The film was directed by Marcos Siega, known for his work in dark comedies and teen dramas like *You Kill Me* and *Wrong Turn 2*.

Who stars in Pretty Persuasion?

The film stars Evan Rachel Wood, Selma Blair, Jane Krakowski, Stark Sands, and Elisabeth Harnois in a standout ensemble cast.

Is Pretty Persuasion (2005) worth watching?

If you enjoy sharp, subversive comedies that skewer high school dynamics and media sensationalism, *Pretty Persuasion* is a hidden gem. Its dark humor and strong performances make it a cult favorite, even if it's underseen. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's undeniably clever.

How long is Pretty Persuasion?

The runtime for *Pretty Persuasion* is 109 minutes, or roughly 1 hour and 49 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Pretty Persuasion (2005) — A Dark Comedy About Teen Manipulation and Media Frenzy

In *Pretty Persuasion (2005)*, director Marcos Siega crafts a biting dark comedy set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic Beverly Hills high school. The film follows Kimberly Joyce, a sharp-tongued 15-year-old (played by Evan Rachel Wood), whose knack for manipulation spirals into a media frenzy after she accuses her drama teacher of sexual harassment. With Selma Blair as her reluctant ally and Jane Krakowski stealing scenes as the perpetually exasperated mother, the movie thrives on sharp dialogue and razor-edged satire. Themes of teenage cunning, gender dynamics, and the absurdity of public outrage collide in this razor-sharp exploration of power and perception.

The atmosphere crackles with tension—equal parts hilarious and unsettling—as Kimberly weaponizes her charm and intellect to expose hypocrisy, all while the adults around her scramble to keep up. Siega's direction leans into the chaos, balancing satire with moments of genuine pathos, making *Pretty Persuasion* a standout in 2000s teen comedies.