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Wild Things

Wild Things is a 1998 American erotic thriller film directed by John McNaughton and written by Stephen Peters.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wild Things is a 1998 American erotic thriller film directed by John McNaughton and written by Stephen Peters. Set in South Florida, it follows a high school guidance counselor accused of rape and the increasingly complex investigation that follows. The film stars Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner, and Bill Murray.

Plot

The film follows Sam Lombardo, a high school guidance counselor in Blue Bay, Florida, after two students accuse him of rape. A police investigation uncovers a broader conspiracy involving deception, money, and shifting alliances.

Production and release

Wild Things was directed by John McNaughton and written by Stephen Peters. It premiered in U.S. theatres on March 20, 1998 and was distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.

Reception

The film received mixed to positive reviews and later developed a reputation as a highly twisty, lurid thriller. Reviewers noted its elaborate plotting and overtly sensational style.

Legacy and sequels

Wild Things became the first entry in a small film series. It was followed by Wild Things 2 (2004), Wild Things: Diamonds in the Rough (2005), and Wild Things: Foursome (2010).

Key facts

  • Released by Sony Pictures Releasing on March 20, 1998.
  • The story is set in South Florida and centers on a rape accusation against a guidance counselor.
  • The film is known for its multiple plot twists and reveal-driven structure.
  • It grossed $67.2 million worldwide against a $20 million budget.
  • It was followed by three sequel films: two television films and one direct-to-DVD film.
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Canadian context

Wild Things has no notable Canada-specific subject matter in the provided sources, but it was released and later made available in Canada through standard international film distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wild Things about?
It is about a Florida guidance counselor accused of rape, with the investigation uncovering a larger conspiracy involving money, sex, and deception.
Who directed Wild Things?
The film was directed by John McNaughton.
When was Wild Things released?
It was released in the United States on March 20, 1998.
Who stars in Wild Things?
The cast includes Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Theresa Russell, Robert Wagner, and Bill Murray.
Did Wild Things have sequels?
Yes. It was followed by Wild Things 2, Wild Things: Diamonds in the Rough, and Wild Things: Foursome.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Things_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, cast, plot, release date, box office, and sequels.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wild_things
    Supports: Synopsis, release date, director, studio, genre, and runtime.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/wild-things-1998
    Supports: Critical description of the film's style and complexity.
  4. The A.V. Club — https://www.avclub.com/wild-things-1798195417
    Supports: Description of the film's tone, setting, and twist-heavy structure.