10 Overlooked Erotic Thrillers That Deserve Another Look

      Casey Chong offers a collection of overlooked erotic thrillers for your viewing list...

      While the presence of erotic thrillers has significantly lessened in today's film landscape, the subgenre still makes occasional appearances, notably with films like the Fifty Shades of Grey series, Netflix’s Fair Play, and Nicole Kidman's latest, Babygirl. The peak era for this type of film was during the 1980s and 1990s with iconic titles such as Body Heat, Fatal Attraction, and Basic Instinct leading the way. The impact of these films spawned a multitude of other erotic thrillers, many of which have faded into obscurity, although some still merit a watch. Here are ten films to consider...

      Payback (1995)

      The late Anthony Hickox is primarily recognized for his horror films like the Waxwork series and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, but he also explored various genres, as seen in Payback, an erotic thriller reminiscent of The Postman Always Rings Twice. This film, however, surpasses expectations, thanks to Hickox’s confident direction that skillfully melds neo-noir elements – featuring a jaded lead (C. Thomas Howell as Oscar Bonsetter) and a femme fatale (Joan Severance as Rose Gullerman) – alongside some steamy moments.

      If you can overlook Howell’s distracting mustache, he effectively portrays an ex-con on a quest for revenge against a prison guard (Marshall Bell) responsible for his friend's death. Notably, the film shines with the electric chemistry between Howell and Severance, the seductive wife of the guard. Hickox audaciously seeks to outdo the infamous table scene in The Postman Always Rings Twice with Howell and Severance’s wild encounter in the kitchen.

      Femme Fatale (2002)

      Up until the disappointing reveal, Brian De Palma makes full use of his filmmaking prowess. His expertly crafted direction is evident from the start with an audacious diamond heist that features a provocative moment in a bathroom stall between Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (now Rebecca Romijn) and Rie Rasmussen. The intricate opening sequence evokes De Palma’s work in Mission: Impossible, showcasing deliberate camerawork and editing that escalates tension from multiple angles.

      Subsequent elements of betrayal, seduction, and manipulation dominate Femme Fatale as De Palma’s clever screenplay unfolds the protagonist's intricate scheme, including luring paparazzo Nicolas Bardo, played by Antonio Banderas. The film revels in De Palma’s knowingly provocative treatment, resulting in a captivating neo-noir experience, punctuated by a guilty-pleasure striptease by Romijn and a quick encounter.

      Jade (1995)

      Despite a brief resurgence with 1985’s To Live and Die in L.A., the 1990s were not particularly kind to William Friedkin. He released Jade during the peak of the erotic thriller trend, which unfortunately flopped at the box office. Though not a luminary like Paul Verhoeven—whose Basic Instinct revitalized the genre—Friedkin brought a distinct approach to erotic thrillers, opting for a more raw depiction of sexual encounters.

      The film features Linda Fiorentino as a classic femme fatale and showcases David Caruso in a compelling lead role as a determined assistant district attorney. Friedkin’s visceral direction shines through, evident in unforgettable sequences like the gripping car chase set in the hills of San Francisco, where he masterfully captures urgency and intensity.

      Sea of Love (1989)

      The 1980s were not particularly ambitious for Al Pacino, especially following a glorious run in the 1970s with the first two Godfathers, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon. Other than Scarface, his '80s repertoire is mostly forgettable, but the arrival of Sea of Love heralded his return, capturing the essence of a weary cop battling alcoholism.

      Director Harold Becker adeptly merges police procedural elements with an erotic thriller framework, signified by the introduction of Ellen Barkin in her breakout role as the alluring divorcée Helen Cruger. The film's strengths lie in the chemistry between Pacino’s Detective Frank Keller and Barkin’s Cruger, with the narrative igniting from a tease. Becker crafts a shifting dynamic of power as sexual tension builds between Frank and Helen, who dictates the course of their relationship.

      Color of Night (1994)

      In the early '90s, Bruce Willis had reached stardom thanks to Die Hard. In 1994, he appeared in several films, including a standout performance in Pulp Fiction; however, Color of Night stands out as a unique entry in his career, where he portrays a psychologist grappling with color blindness after witnessing a traumatic suicide.

      The film marks the return of director Richard Rush, who last directed The Stunt Man in 1980, and his awkward foray into erotic thriller territory can be described as indulgent