Kiss the Girls (1997) is a dark, gripping psychological thriller directed by Gary Fleder, based on the best-selling novel by James Patterson. The film blends crime, suspense, and psychological tension, following a detective’s desperate search for a serial kidnapper and murderer.
Detailed Summary
The Missing Women Case
Dr. Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) is a forensic psychologist and detective from Washington, D.C. When his niece, Naomi, goes missing in North Carolina, Cross travels there to assist local authorities. The investigation reveals a string of kidnappings involving intelligent and accomplished young women—all linked by a disturbing pattern.
Discovery of the “Casanova” Case
As Cross digs deeper, the FBI suspects a serial offender who calls himself “Casanova.” His victims are not killed immediately; instead, they’re held captive in underground chambers somewhere in the woods. Cross works alongside Detective Nick Ruskin (Cary Elwes), who is leading the case locally.
Kate McTiernan’s Escape
One of the film’s most pivotal moments arrives when Dr. Kate McTiernan (Ashley Judd), a strong and intelligent surgeon, is kidnapped by Casanova. Unlike the other victims, she manages to escape after a harrowing ordeal, surviving a fall into a river and being found later by rescuers. Her testimony becomes the key to understanding Casanova’s methods and the geography of his hideouts.
The Hunt Intensifies
Cross and McTiernan form an alliance, combining his analytical mind with her firsthand experience to track down Casanova’s lair. They begin to suspect that the perpetrator isn’t acting alone—that there may be more than one abductor involved.
The Parallel Killer: “The Gentleman Caller”
As Cross and McTiernan pursue leads, they discover another serial killer known as “The Gentleman Caller,” operating on the West Coast. Evidence suggests that Casanova and the Gentleman Caller are working together—or at least communicating—creating a terrifying criminal network.
The Underground Prison
The climax begins when Alex and Kate discover Casanova’s hideout deep in the forest, filled with cages and personal items belonging to the victims. The tension spikes as they realize that Casanova is closer than they think—and that his accomplice is someone within law enforcement.
Movie Ending
In the final act, the shocking twist is revealed: Detective Nick Ruskin, the very man who has been helping Alex Cross, is actually Casanova. He had used his position as a police officer to manipulate the investigation and cover his tracks.
When Cross confronts him, Ruskin tries to justify his actions, claiming he’s been creating an “ideal world” of beauty and intelligence by kidnapping women who fit his twisted criteria. The confrontation escalates into violence in Ruskin’s home, where Kate McTiernan arrives just in time to help.
A brutal struggle ensues. Ruskin attacks Kate, but she fights back fiercely. Alex arrives and manages to stop Ruskin—Kate ultimately kills him in self-defense, putting an end to the nightmare.
The movie closes with Alex and Kate back in North Carolina. Kate thanks him for believing in her strength, and they part on good terms. The case is solved, but the emotional scars remain—a reminder of the horrors they both faced.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Kiss the Girls does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes immediately after the main ending, offering closure to the story without any sequel tease.
Type of Movie
This film is a psychological thriller / crime mystery, focusing on criminal profiling, abduction, and the psychology of predators. It combines procedural investigation with suspenseful, character-driven drama.
Cast
- Morgan Freeman as Dr. Alex Cross
- Ashley Judd as Dr. Kate McTiernan
- Cary Elwes as Detective Nick Ruskin
- Tony Goldwyn as Dr. William Rudolph (The Gentleman Caller)
- Brian Cox as Chief Hatfield
- Jay O. Sanders as FBI Agent Kyle Craig
Film Music and Composer
The music was composed by Mark Isham, known for his atmospheric, tension-driven scores. His work in Kiss the Girls builds an ominous and uneasy tone, perfectly matching the dark themes and psychological suspense of the story.
Filming Locations
The movie was primarily filmed in Durham, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, California. The lush, wooded landscapes of North Carolina were crucial to creating the isolated and claustrophobic setting of Casanova’s hidden lair. The contrast between serene nature and brutal crime amplified the film’s psychological intensity.
Awards and Nominations
While Kiss the Girls didn’t win major awards, it received positive recognition for Morgan Freeman’s performance and Ashley Judd’s breakout role, which earned her strong critical praise and led to more leading roles in the thriller genre.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Morgan Freeman was personally interested in portraying Alex Cross, insisting on a realistic depiction of forensic psychology.
- Ashley Judd performed many of her own stunts, including the dangerous escape scene in the river.
- Director Gary Fleder focused heavily on atmosphere—lighting and sound design were used to make viewers feel constantly uneasy.
- Cary Elwes was deliberately cast against type; audiences knew him from lighter roles, making his eventual reveal more shocking.
Inspirations and References
The movie is based on James Patterson’s novel “Kiss the Girls” (1995), part of the Alex Cross series. Patterson’s stories are known for combining fast-paced detective work with psychological realism. The film stays fairly close to the book, though it condenses several subplots for pacing.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
A few deleted scenes involved more background on the kidnapped women and additional dialogue between Cross and Kate. There was an alternate ending in early drafts where Ruskin’s death was more ambiguous, but the final version opted for a clear resolution.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The novel delves deeper into Alex Cross’s family life and includes more psychological insight into Casanova’s mind. The film simplifies these aspects to focus more on suspense and action. In the book, the cooperation between Casanova and the Gentleman Caller is explored more extensively, making the ending’s twist less sudden.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Kate’s abduction and her terrifying realization of where she’s been taken.
- Her daring escape and desperate run through the forest.
- Alex Cross’s discovery of the underground prison.
- The final confrontation at Ruskin’s house.
Iconic Quotes
- Alex Cross: “You do what you are. You are what you do.”
- Kate McTiernan: “You picked the wrong woman to kidnap.”
- Nick Ruskin (Casanova): “They’re special. You just don’t understand what beauty is.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The framed photos in Ruskin’s office subtly include missing women seen earlier in the film, foreshadowing his guilt.
- Several newspaper headlines on Alex’s wall reference previous cases from Patterson’s novels.
- The film’s visual palette shifts subtly—from colder tones early on to warmer ones after Kate’s escape, symbolizing the move from captivity to freedom.
Trivia
- Kiss the Girls was Morgan Freeman’s first film as Alex Cross, a role he would reprise in Along Came a Spider (2001).
- Ashley Judd trained with FBI consultants to make her survival scenes more authentic.
- The film inspired several later thrillers centered on female survival stories.
Why Watch?
Watch Kiss the Girls if you enjoy intelligent thrillers with psychological depth and a strong female lead. The chemistry between Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, combined with the chilling storyline, makes it one of the better serial killer dramas of the 1990s.
Director’s Other Movies
- Runaway Jury (2003)
- Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead (1995)
- Don’t Say a Word (2001)
- Impostor (2001)
