Hard Candy

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Hard Candy

R

2005

1h 43m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

67%

Tomatometer

147 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Hayley is a precocious teenager who goes to a coffee shop to meet Jeff, the photographer she met on the internet. Jeff thinks he is in for a real treat, but Hayley plays a trick on him. After drugging Jeff and tying him down, Hayley reveals that she knows Jeff preys on teenage girls, and she has a plan to wring a confession from him.

Critics Consensus

Disturbing, controversial, but entirely engrossing, Hard Candy is well written with strong lead performances, especially that of newcomer Elliot Page. A movie that stays with the viewer long after leaving the theater.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Personally, I'd rather have this movie obliterated from my memory.

Nov 15, 2011

Full Review

Caroline Westbrook

Empire Magazine

A cracking little thriller which makes you think even as it's keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's not always easy viewing, but Hard Candy is an intelligent, challenging film which deserves to be seen.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 30, 2006

Full Review

Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

This swamp gets very murky indeed. Bring your moral compass.

Jul 14, 2006

Full Review

Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

A masterclass in direction, screenwriting and acting, Hard Candy goes for the jugular and never lets up.

Rated: 4.5/5

Nov 27, 2023

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Horror Queers Podcast

David Slade's directorial feature is low key a secret rape/revenge film that features powerhouse performances from Elliot Page and Patrick Wilson and plenty of uncomfortable moments.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 23, 2023

Full Review

James Croot

The Post NZ

Nelson's taut, smart script and believable dialogue keeps the tension crackling throughout the 103-minute running time, changing gears just when you think you've got it all figured out.

Rated: 4.5/5

Dec 2, 2020

Full Review

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Jack B

It is indeed an uncomfortable subject. But Slade handles it well, and he is aided most ably by the crackling screenplay by Brian Nelson and the two stellar leads.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/11/25

Full Review

Emil A

I really hope he kills her! This girl is SO annoying! I want this to become Hostel real quick. :D

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

05/01/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Great idea, but falls short, unrealistic throughout, entirely too long. Just didn't make any since, how for her, why for him????

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

Full Review

Brad M

Was a good idea....just too long. Got a little slow. But was overall pretty good.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

Full Review

Micha J

This movie was honestly horrible, many parts of the plot not explained. It’s a fun movie to make fun of

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/24/24

Full Review

Kyle J

The story deserved 35 minutes. A creepier guy would’ve helped. Actors were good. Watch the first 15 minutes and the last 20 minus the denouement.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/22/24

Full Review

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David Slade

Director

Patrick Wilson

Geoff Kohlver

Elliot Page

Hayley Stark

Sandra Oh

Judy Tokuda

Odessa Rae

Janelle Rogers

Gilbert John

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Synopsis

Hayley is a precocious teenager who goes to a coffee shop to meet Jeff, the photographer she met on the internet. Jeff thinks he is in for a real treat, but Hayley plays a trick on him. After drugging Jeff and tying him down, Hayley reveals that she knows Jeff preys on teenage girls, and she has a plan to wring a confession from him.

Director: David Slade
Producer: Paul Allen, David Higgins, Jody Patton, Michael Caldwell, Richard Hutton
Screenwriter: Brian Nelson
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Launchpad Productions, IcePack Pictures, Lions Gate Films, Vulcan Productions
Rating: R (Involving Teen|Aberrant Sexual Content|Language|Violent Sexual Content)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 25, 2005, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 14, 2006
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 26, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.0M
Runtime: 1h 43m

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