- Year: 1998
- Genre: thriller, crime, drama, dark comedy
- Director: Sebastian Gutierrez
- Cast: Carla Gugino, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Greg Wise, Til Schweiger, Joey Slotnick, Simon Baker
- Plot: A couple and two hired hands kidnap a business owner for a four million dollar ransom. A woman is killed. Collateral damage? The F.B.I. gets involved.
Judas Kiss (1998) is a stylish crime thriller with noir elements that captivates the audience with its tense atmosphere and intricate plot.
The story unfolds in New Orleans, where two criminals—Julie (Carla Gugino) and Ruben (Simon Baker)—get involved in the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman. However, things spiral out of control when they accidentally kill a stranger, who turns out to be an important figure. The investigation is led by seasoned detectives David Friedman (Alan Rickman) and Cincy Beth (Emma Thompson), who gradually untangle the complex web of crime.
The film stands out for its gripping pace, dark aesthetic, and layered characters, each with hidden motives. Dynamic dialogues and intriguing twists keep the tension high until the very end. It is not just a crime story but also an exploration of betrayal, moral choices, and the inevitability of consequences.
