Review of All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006) by Danimet — 05 Nov 2022

I just recently watched this genre-defying (or subversive, if you will) cult classic and I have to say that I'd rate it among the most underrated slasher/psycho-thriller/mystery thriller/teen horror movies of all time. I mean, there's so much to like about this The-Virgin-Suicides-meets-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre movie but almost nothing to hate about it.

For instance, Amber Heard alone and her outstanding performance are a huge and singular reason to love this movie and rate it way above average. Her delicate balancing act between 'shy, naïve, and reserved' and 'stoic, smart, and powerful' in Mandy Lane's persona is quite frankly award-worthy. As so is the beauty and air of mystery that she imbues the movie with from beginning to end.

Another plus for the movie is its subversion of common slasher horror tropes (plenty of examples in other reviews of the movie so I won't list them here). The movie's exploration of common school and teen social problems in the US like school shootings, body image issues, sexist stereotypes and gender-based double standards, and suicide in an entertaining yet memorable and serious way is also commendable.

Its setting, cinematography, editing, sound, and costumes are also praiseworthy in their own rights. Also praiseworthy is its gender and racial representation. The only problem that I noted with the movie is there being several continuity errors that, nevertheless, do not substract anything from its appeal. Finally, notice how Jacob Forman (writer) and Jonathan Levine's (director) creativity shows in, for example, their subtle inclusion of elements in the movie that build Emmet's character (played by Michael Welch) around one of the Columbine High School shooters. It baffles me how most people seem to miss this after they've watched the movie.

I'd recommend this movie to all horror fans and every other person that loves a good teen or psycho-thriller or mystery movie. I'd also recommend it to Amber Heard fans because her lead actress debut performance in this movie demonstrates why she's the A-list actress that she is.