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Jagged Edge (1985)

1985 • 1h 48m • Thriller • R
On September 23, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Jagged Edge

7/10 · Jun 7, 2014

The film has a sharp feel, culminating in a serrated ending. Teddy Barnes is an attorney struggling with past experiences involving questionable tactics when she agrees to represent Jack Forrester, who stands accused of killing his wife using a knife with a jagged blade. As Teddy becomes increasingly drawn to Jack’s charisma, she finds herself falling for the man she must defend, and her difficulties appear poised to escalate considerably. Jagged Edge, directed by Richard Marquand and featuring performances from Glenn Close (Teddy), Jeff Bridges (Jack), Robert Loggia (Sam Ransom), and Peter Coyote (Thomas Krasny), doesn't offer anything groundbreaking within a familiar genre. However, it benefits from exceptional acting, a strong screenplay by Joe Eszterhas, and production values that warrant attention. The influence of Eszterhas is evident in the film’s structure—themes of death, sexuality, troubled relationships, avarice, and obsession are all present (reminiscent of Basic Instinct), but these elements are elevated by a capable director and an outstanding cast, allowing Jagged Edge to stand out from many similar films. The picture shows its age somewhat, appearing worn around the edges, though this is simply due to the passage of time and the proliferation of thrillers that have since adopted this formula. If one can recall the film’s original release in the 1980s, it's easy to appreciate how skillfully constructed it is. Close and Bridges deliver excellent performances, while Robert Loggia truly shines, particularly his scenes with Close. Despite some less convincing plot developments and obvious attempts to frame a scapegoat, Jagged Edge succeeds because you are present for the resolution, and because the film has maintained your interest throughout, you’ve become invested in these characters, and you simply need to know how things will turn out. The ending generated considerable debate when it was first released, and even now it feels like a moment of boldness combined with a sense of understanding, but it remains effective, as is the film overall. It's not a masterpiece, but it’s highly accomplished and worth watching for fans of thrillers. 7/10

Source on TMDB