Nicole Kidman portrays a television personality driven by ambition, and while she’s present, the film's true strength lies in Gus Van Sant's directorial work. She embodies Suzanne, a woman lacking intelligence who aspires to become a major media figure. Her path involves marrying Larry (Matt Dillon), a restaurant owner, and accepting a weather reporting position at an unremarkable television station. Recognizing that Larry isn’t supportive of her aspirations, she enlists the help of three teenagers to eliminate him. Her scheme begins with cultivating friendships while filming a documentary, leading to a relationship with James (Joaquin Phoenix), who then collaborates with Russell (Casey Affleck) and Lydia (Alison Folland). The narrative unfolds largely through flashbacks from the killers, Suzanne and Larry's families, and even Suzanne herself. "To Die For" presents as an odd movie. The experienced actors are given characters that lack depth. Despite a large ensemble cast, Suzanne remains static, failing to generate enough threat for any emotional investment. Dillon’s portrayal of Larry is understated, seemingly striving to depict him as ordinary. Buck Henry's screenplay feels uneven, never quite achieving the necessary darkness for a successful dark comedy or the required sharpness for effective satire. This is regrettable, given how celebrity status attained through violent acts has become ingrained in contemporary society. The film hesitates to directly critique media practices, instead focusing on the dynamics between Suzanne and Jim and Suzanne's growing conviction that fame is inevitable. Gus Van Sant’s direction is exceptional; the depiction of Larry and Suzanne’s home is genuinely funny. His camera consistently captures the appropriate mood for each scene, even when the writing isn’t particularly strong. I was not a fan of "Drugstore Cowboy," though I value many of Van Sant's subsequent films. “To Die For” builds anticipation for an unflinching examination of popular culture, only to back down before reaching its conclusion. While the direction is commendable, the rest of the film proves disappointing, making it difficult to offer a recommendation.

Source on TMDB