Movie News

1996 Sally Field Thriller with 8% on Rotten Tomatoes Soars on Netflix

Sarah Parker January 19, 2025

Nearly three decades ago, a gripping thriller made its way to theaters, yet it failed to ignite the kind of excitement its creators had hoped for. Eye for an Eye debuted in 1996, featuring Sally Field (80 For Brady) in a compelling lead role. She portrays a mother who embarks on a quest for personal justice after her daughter falls victim to horrific violence and abuse. This film raises essential questions about morality and retribution, leaving many viewers puzzled as to why it earned a mere 8% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With its recent surge in popularity on Netflix, where it has outperformed current favorites like The Six Triple Eight and Sonic the Hedgehog, many subscribers are eager to understand the film’s enduring intrigue.

The narrative is straightforward yet emotionally charged, illustrating the extreme lengths a mother, Karen (played by Field), goes to after her daughter’s brutal rape and murder. The viewer experiences the horror alongside her, particularly as she overhears the tragedy unfold over the phone. Critics argue that the film’s mishandling of such a sensitive topic is why Eye for an Eye misses the mark. Renowned critic Roger Ebert rated it just 1 out of 4 stars, labeling it ?a particularly nasty little example of audience manipulation.? Ebert and others criticized the film for glossing over the serious themes it introduces, instead using acts of violence and abuse merely as mechanisms to propel a revenge narrative. Ebert also noted that the depiction of the underage girl’s abuse is presented in “horrifying” detail, which further detracted from its potential impact.

Meet the Creative Minds Behind ‘Eye for an Eye’

In addition to Sally Field’s powerful performance, the cast of Eye For an Eye includes notable talents such as Kiefer Sutherland (24), Ed Harris (Central Intelligence), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Charlaine Woodard (Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches), and Keith David (Mufasa: The Lion King). The film was expertly directed by the late John Schlesinger, an Academy Award winner known for iconic works like Marathon Man and Midnight Cowboy. The screenplay was crafted by accomplished writers Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa, who later gained fame for their contributions to blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic World, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Rise of the <em>Planet of the Apes</em>.

Despite its critical backlash, Eye for an Eye serves as a pivotal film for reflecting on Hollywood’s evolving portrayal of complex themes over the past thirty years. In today’s cinematic landscape, a film of this nature would likely be approached very differently, if it were produced at all. However, as Netflix viewers are discovering, revisiting this film provides an opportunity to form your own opinions on its controversial narrative.

Eye for an Eye is currently available for streaming on Netflix.