A Kiss Before Dying Poster

A Kiss Before Dying 1991

★ 5.5129 votes95 min📅 1991-04-26

"Loving him was easy. Trusting him was deadly."

Directed by James Dearden, *A Kiss Before Dying (1991)* is a gripping 1990s neo-noir thriller that twists romance into a deadly game of deception and ambition.

Director: James Dearden

Cast

Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon
Jonathan Corliss
Sean Young
Sean Young
Ellen / Dorothy Carlsson
Max von Sydow
Max von Sydow
Thor Carlsson
Diane Ladd
Diane Ladd
Mrs. Corliss
James Russo
James Russo
Dan Corelli
Adam Horovitz
Adam Horovitz
Jay Faraday
Martha Gehman
Martha Gehman
Patricia Farren
Ben Browder
Ben Browder
Tommy Roussell
Briony Glassco
Briony Glassco
Waitress
Galaxy Craze
Galaxy Craze
Susie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Kiss Before Dying (1991) about?

A college student manipulates his way into a wealthy family's inner circle, only to commit murder when his lies are exposed. As the victim's twin sister investigates the suspicious suicide, the killer's facade crumbles under scrutiny. The film blends crime, mystery, and psychological tension.

Who directed A Kiss Before Dying?

James Dearden, known for his work in psychological thrillers, directed *A Kiss Before Dying*.

Who stars in A Kiss Before Dying?

The film features Matt Dillon as Jonathan Corliss, Sean Young as the twin sisters Dorothy and Ellen Carlsson, Max von Sydow as their father, and Diane Ladd in a supporting role.

Is A Kiss Before Dying (1991) worth watching?

A solid entry in the neo-noir crime genre, *A Kiss Before Dying* delivers tense suspense and strong performances from its cast. While not a blockbuster, its 90s aesthetic and moral complexity make it a worthwhile watch for thriller enthusiasts seeking something underrated.

How long is A Kiss Before Dying?

The film runs for 95 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About A Kiss Before Dying (1991) — A Chilling Neo-Noir Thriller You Won't Forget

Directed by James Dearden, *A Kiss Before Dying (1991)* is a gripping 1990s neo-noir thriller that twists romance into a deadly game of deception and ambition. College student Jonathan Corliss (Matt Dillon) woos Dorothy Carlsson (Sean Young) under the guise of love, but his true motive is wealth—and when Dorothy reveals she's pregnant, his carefully laid plans unravel into cold-blooded murder. Staging her death as a suicide, Jonathan infiltrates her wealthy father's world (Max von Sydow) while Ellen, Dorothy's twin sister, begins to uncover the sinister truth. Tense, morally ambiguous, and drenched in shadowy suspense, this crime drama explores the chilling lengths people go to for power and the fragility of trust.

With sharp direction and standout performances from its ensemble cast—including Sean Young in a double role and Max von Sydow as the grieving patriarch—the film lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. The atmosphere crackles with paranoia, as Jonathan's charm masks a sociopathic drive, making *A Kiss Before Dying (1991)* a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers steeped in 90s grit.