Rich Mallery’s Felines is a bold, if uneven, dive into a world of desire, danger, and dysfunction. The film follows a troubled young woman who becomes enamored with a femme fatale, pulling her into a whirlwind of drugs, deceit, and murder. On paper, it promises a taut crime drama with thriller elements and a darkly erotic undertone, but in execution, it teeters between provocative and problematic.
Madison Santos, in the lead role, delivers a surprisingly naturalistic performance, bringing some grounding to the otherwise chaotic story. Kate Lý Johnston shines as the manipulative femme fatale, fully committing to her morally ambiguous character. The supporting cast, including Chris Spinelli and Justin Kroehler, add occasional depth, but the men in the story largely feel cartoonishly horrible, while many of the women’s arcs lean into extreme dysfunction without clear purpose.
Where Felines falters is in its script and pacing. Dialogue often drifts into cliché, and the story sometimes resembles a mix between a teenage Wattpad fanfic and unsettling adult fantasy. Scenes involving drugs, sex work, and taboo relationships are handled with a sensationalist brush rather than thoughtful exploration, which can make parts of the movie feel cheap or disturbing rather than insightful. The plot, especially in the first half, meanders, and even by the 45-minute mark, the narrative stakes are only sporadically clear.
Yet, despite these flaws, there’s an undeniable energy in Mallery’s direction. The film attempts to go to uncomfortable places and explore the psychological consequences of destructive relationships. While it is trashy, uneven, and occasionally hard to watch, it has moments of raw tension and character study that hint at a director willing to take risks. Those willing to watch with a darkly curious eye—or with friends to navigate the chaos—may find it more compelling than its surface-level trashiness suggests.
In short, Felines is a flawed, provocative, and at times uncomfortable crime drama. It doesn’t fully succeed in blending its erotic thriller elements with meaningful commentary, but the lead performances and willingness to venture into dark, psychologically complex territory give it a spark that makes it more than mere exploitation. Approach it with caution—and a strong stomach.
Jessie Hobson