Jawbreaker

Jawbreaker released in 1999 is a pitch-black comedy that marries the coming-of-age and murder mysteries genres in an interesting blend, accented with a bold, pop-culture-infused stylization and dialogue. Director Darren Stein casts an irresistible spell with this film that weaves an intriguing tale of popularity, power dynamics, high school hierarchy, and teenage cruelty, turning the common thrillers on their head with unwavering audacity.

The film stars Rose McGowan as Courtney, the headstrong leader of a clique of popular girls in Reagan High School who are infamously known as “the Flawless Four." She's joined by Julie Benz as Marcie and Rebecca Gayheart as Julie, two inseparable friends who complete this powerful quartet.

The storyline kicks off with what was supposed to be a harmless birthday prank gone awry; the innocent Liz Purr (Charlotte Ayanna), the fourth member of the clique, and the most loved one, ends up dead. The prank in question involved a jawbreaker, setting the film's title into context. This sudden and unexpected incident triggers a cover-up, opening up a series of deceptions, manipulations, and betrayals.

While the plot darkly lampoons the clichéd high school popularity and rivalry, it is the characters and their performances that draw you in. Rose McGowan shines as the ruthless and manipulative queen bee Courtney, brilliant in her cold, domineering demeanor and ruthless ambition. Julie Benz and Rebecca Gayheart, under her influence, play along, hiding their friend’s death under an increasingly absurd web of lies, adding to the film's wild tone.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn when the nerdy Fern Mayo, played by Judy Greer, stumbles upon the truth. This discovery simultaneously marks the beginning of Fern's dramatic transformation into an 'it' girl by the cunning Courtney to ensure her silence, subsequently turning the rest of the school and hierarchy in utter chaos. The film's satirical take on high school popularity, shallow beauty standards, and the price one pays to fit in, reverberate powerfully through Judy's character.

One of the refreshing aspects of Jawbreaker is its bold commentary through a uniquely stylized, almost surreal montage, and its unflinching representation of teenage cruelty and selfishness. As the story progresses, the film keeps you engaged and intrigued with its perfect pacing, never compromising on the mystery's intensity or the situational comedy.

Jawbreaker also features an unforgettable cameo by Pam Grier, as Detective Vera Cruz, who is slowly unraveling the truth behind the mysterious death amidst all the high school drama. Her sharp, hardened character offers a stark, often comic, contrast to the self-absorbed teenagers she's dealing with.

Framed against the vibrant backdrop of a 90's high school environment, the combination of shocking hues, glossy surfaces, and a killer soundtrack filled with punk-pop anthems sets a unique mood for the film.

The film thrives on its whacky concept, distinctive art direction, strong performances, and acerbic humor, making it a cult classic of the 90s high school genre. At the same time, beneath the surface of this zany teen comedy, Jawbreaker offers an untraditional look at friendship, power, acceptance, and morality. The essence of the film lies in its almost satirical approach to high school culture, where popularity often masks the ugly reality of teenage social dynamics.

In conclusion, Jawbreaker (1999) offers a darkly comedic, often outlandish, yet relevant exploration of the high school social order. The movie will appeal to fans of Heathers and Mean Girls, offering a provocative, darker side of teen comedies with contrasting themes of power and vulnerability, popularity and loneliness, beauty and ugliness, neatly packed with a subversive punch. It is a film that is as shocking as it is entertaining, a memorable high school satire that still rings relevant over two decades after its release.