Fatal Attraction

Dan Gallagher, a married New York publisher, ignites a brief affair with Alexandra Forrest. What starts as a casual encounter quickly evolves into a troubling fixation as Alex refuses to let go. She insinuates herself into Dan's routine and then threatens the stability of his marriage to Beth and the safety of their daughter Ellen. Dan attempts to end things and protect his family, but Alex's obsession intensifies, turning ordinary moments into peril. Dan tries to end the affair but the fixation won't fade. The tension hinges on the fragile line between desire and responsibility, with suspicion and fear seeping into the couple's home. The story builds a relentless sense that danger lurks beneath everyday life and consequences for families.

Adrian Lyne directs, pairing sleek visuals with suspense. The screenplay is by James Dearden from his original story commissioned for the film, which premiered in 1987 and became a landmark in thrillers for its provocative tone and glossy production globally.

Worldwide gross reached $320,145,693 against a $14,000,000 budget, making Fatal Attraction one of the era's most profitable thrillers. Its commercial success helped redefine how mainstream audiences respond to adult suspense and intense relationship drama on screens worldwide and lasting influence.

Fatal Attraction left a lasting imprint on popular culture through its suspenseful setup and the unforgettable performance by Glenn Close as Alex. Early conversations framed the film as a controversial mirror of marriage and desire, while its glossy look and fear driven scenes became shorthand for high end thrillers everywhere.

Critics generally praised its taut pacing, the lead performances, and Lyne's direction, while debates centered on its moral stance and gender dynamics. The film explores temptation, accountability, and the consequences of crossing boundaries in romance, offering a chilling warning about how desire can destabilize a life for families everywhere today.