Heathers

“Fuck me gently with a chainsaw. Do I look like Mother Teresa?”

If there was an award for the most self-aware 80’s movie that the 80’s made it would be Heathers. It takes the tropes seen in high school movies and spins them in a dark, twisted and downright hilarious way. Highlighting how it’s difficult being a teenager but those problems are only a dress rehearsal for the society they later face. Just in case you are unaware, the film follows regular girl Veronica Sawyer hating herself for hanging out with the trio of social tyrants ‘The Heathers’. Then the mysterious new guy Jason Dean enters the picture, leading Veronica to join forces with him to resolve her qualms and teach her best friends/worst enemies (is there really a difference?) a lesson that is a lot more severe than she first anticipated. We really get to see Winona Ryder - who plays Veronica - at her very best, as she manages to play this morally grey, cynical being who still has a heart hiding underneath, which makes for a very interesting watch. Christian Slater aka J.D. plays a psychotic antagonist with a rather twisted perception of life, perfect for the ‘I could fix him’ girlies. He is also the true owner of the ‘we live in a society’ speech, sorry Joker! Not neglecting to mention the great number of other stellar performances seen throughout the cast. My favourite part of the film is the well calculated aesthetic and wardrobe as it really gives Heathers a unique feel and just adds to its memorability. Heathersis iconic, endlessly quotable and delves into the lethal dynamic of cliques, what more could you want?

Eleanor Armstrong