Hard Candy

(2005) ****

In the taught, edgy Hard Candy, pedophile Jeff Kohlver, meets 14-year old Hayley in a diner following 3 weeks of online flirtations. This initial meeting is somewhat awkward. Jeff, a successful photographer, stumbles a bit as he tries to forge a connection with Hayley with obvious intention. Hayley, a precocious (probably too precocious to be realistic) teen, also appears awkward, noting out loud that this meeting is a big step. Eventually they become comfortable with one another and Hayley convinces Jeff, without much difficulty, to take her to his home so she can listen to some live music he has from a band she supposedly likes.

Jeff’s home is beautiful, the kind of place you would expect from a successful photographer who takes pictures of teenage models. Although Jeff photographs other subjects besides young girls, Hayley observes that the only pictures on the walls are of scantily clad nymphs. After quickly consuming 2 screwdrivers and a lot of flirtatious banter, Hayley requests that Jeff photograph her. Although he protests at first, she convinces him by whipping off her shirt and dancing seductively on his couch.

Before Jeff can take a single picture, however, he passes out. Waking up hours later tied to a chair, Jeff slowly begins to realize that Hayley, who drugged him, has very different intentions than their online dialogue suggested. The sweet, seemingly innocent Hayley turns out to be anything but.

Hayley, who brought along a medical book and surgical tools, reveals her true plan; to ensure that Jeff never molests another teenage girl ever again. What ensues is cat and mouse game with Jeff attempting to talk the young teen out of her sadistic plan.

Now this is what Horrorthon is all about! With echoes of Miike’s Audition (1999), Hard Candy is tense, gripping, edge-of-your-seat material. The acting is top-notch and you’ll hold your breath, (and cross your legs if you’re a male), on more than one occasion. This near-perfect film slightly misses its mark by never revealing Hayley’s real motives (e.g., why has she taken on this mission?) and by leaving Jeff’s guilt or innocence in the crimes he is being accused of ultimately a mystery (e.g., did he, or did he not, ever molest underage girls?). Additionally the viewer will struggle with who to sympathize with; the pedophile or the sociopath. At times you’ll sympathize with both, but in the end probably neither. Still, this is amazing, breathtaking stuff and I guarantee you will not be able to stop watching it. Throughout you’ll wonder, “How is this damn thing going to end?” Very satisfactorily is the answer.

Watch the trailer
Hard Candy

(2005) ****