If you asked anyone to name the top actresses of the ’90s, I’m confident Ashley Judd would be on that list. While she’s stepped away from the spotlight as an actress (turning her energy toward activism), she remains one of my favorite performers from that era. There’s just something about her presence on screen that makes you sit up and take notice.
Recently, while browsing Paramount Plus, I revisited a chilling psychological thriller that reminded me why I’ve always enjoyed watching her in films. "Kiss the Girls," starring Judd and Morgan Freeman, revolves around the abduction of several women by a man we come to know as Casanova. If you’re looking for a way to escape the constant barrage of news headlines, this psychological thriller will fully absorb your attention. Its twisty, eerie plotline keeps you guessing until the shocking conclusion.
What is 'Kiss the Girls' about?
The story begins in Washington, D.C., with forensic psychologist Dr. Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman). His life becomes personal when he discovers his niece, Naomi, is missing. He flies to North Carolina to assist with the investigation and soon realizes she’s connected to other missing women — one of whom has been found dead.
Meanwhile, we meet Dr. Kate McTiernan (Ashley Judd), a kickboxing doctor with the kind of strength and poise that makes you think she’s untouchable. But she becomes Casanova’s latest victim in a gripping nighttime kidnapping scene that will have you clutching your popcorn (or maybe that’s just me).
Kate wakes up in a dim, underground cell, drugged and disoriented. She overhears Casanova taunting her, forcing her to comply if she wants to survive. In a harrowing moment, she discovers that several of Casanova’s other captives are still alive.
This isn’t a movie that keeps a woman trapped in a basement forever. Kate manages to escape, delivering one of the film’s most riveting sequences. It’s no surprise she agrees to help Alex with the investigation, sharing everything she can recall about Casanova’s habits and whereabouts. But the case soon leads them to an entirely new coastline, and they’re left wondering: Who are they really dealing with?
Why you should watch 'Kiss the Girls' on Paramount Plus
Once the investigation shifts locations, the story deepens. It becomes clear that there’s more at play than one man abducting women. Another perpetrator emerges, and the two men seem to be presenting the women as some kind of twisted trophy.
The plot’s complexity is a nod to its literary roots; James Patterson’s novel clearly provides rich material. Nearly two hours in, you may feel the weight of the story, but the intensity never wanes. Ashley Judd shines through, her grit and determination reminding us why she’s so compelling in these high-stakes roles.
If you enjoy thrillers and the reassuring presence of Morgan Freeman, even in dark circumstances, "Kiss the Girls" is worth your time. Judd’s performance is unforgettable, as she navigates danger with courage and intelligence.
Fair warning: If you’re hoping for something on par with Freeman’s "Se7en," you might be slightly disappointed. While this film isn’t as grotesque or intense, it offers plenty of suspense, red herrings and twists that keep you engaged until the very end. "Kiss the Girls" is a psychological thriller that proves Judd’s talents are just as captivating now as they were in the ’90s.
Watch "Kiss the Girls" on Paramount Plus
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