Cat Person

Margot, a spirited college sophomore, agrees to a date with the older, charming Robert. What seems like a promising connection online mutates in real life as his manners and comportment fall short of the fantasy he cultivated in texts. The film threads a sharp blend of tense, uneasy humor as Margot tries to read signals, manage expectations, and protect herself in a situation that grows increasingly uncomfortable. As the night unfolds, subtle power imbalances, misreads, and the gray area between flirtation and coercion push Margot to question what she wants and how to handle a date that veers away from her assumptions. The tone toggles between wry comedy and creeping dread. The film leans into bite sized scenes and snappy dialogue to keep the pace brisk.

Directed by Susanna Fogel, Cat Person reimagines Kristen Roupenian's acclaimed short story for the screen and taps Michelle Ashford as a co creator. The 2023 film translates the creeps of online dating into a suspenseful comedy thriller. Additionally, the screenplay keeps the tone sharp while letting the characters breathe naturally.

As for reception, critics and audiences responded with a mixed tone reflecting the film's uneasy blend of humor and tension. The story probes how online chemistry can collide with real life expectations, highlighting power dynamics, miscommunication, and the pressure to perform in dating. It sits with a mid range audience score of 5.68 out of 10 from 100 votes, signaling a divisive conversation about tone and subject matter.

Box office revenue was modest, with about 282 thousand dollars worldwide, against a 12 million dollar budget. This reflects a niche release and limited audience reach despite the source material and cast.

As for recognition, Cat Person did not rack up major awards or nominations in the traditional ceremonies, and the film has not been cited with notable wins. The reception centers more on audience conversation than formal accolades.