Watch Extremities

The 1986 psychological thriller film, Extremities, is a heart-wrenching story that delves into the horrors of rape and revenge. Directed by Robert M. Young, the movie stars Farrah Fawcett, James Russo, and Alfre Woodard in lead roles. The plot revolves around Marjorie (played by Farrah Fawcett), a young woman who is brutally attacked and almost raped by a stranger named Joe (played by James Russo) who breaks into her home. Marjorie somehow manages to overpower Joe and locks him up in her fireplace. With Joe now trapped and unable to escape, Marjorie is left with a huge dilemma of what to do with him. She calls the police but they do not arrive on time. This leaves Marjorie with the possibility that she could take revenge on Joe in any way she wants.

The movie is based on a Broadway play that uses a single-location setting as it follows Marjorie's emotional arc in the aftermath of the attack. With Joe trapped in her fireplace, Marjorie tries to rationalize her desire for revenge but is plagued with fear and self-doubt. Her roommates, played by Alfre Woodard and Diana Scarwid, tell her to forget the incident and leave it up to the law to deal with Joe. But Marjorie is not willing to leave anything to chance, especially with a monster like Joe.

As the movie progresses, Marjorie uses various tactics to try and get Joe to confess to his crimes. She interrogates him, threatens him with a knife, and even douses him with gasoline, ready to set him on fire. Despite all this, Joe continues to deny his guilt, claiming that Marjorie is simply a crazy woman who is detaining him for no reason.

The psychological tension between Marjorie and Joe is palpable throughout the movie, as both are trying to manipulate each other. Marjorie is in a constant battle with her own conscience, trying to balance her need for revenge and her fear of going too far. In contrast, Joe is playing mind games with Marjorie, trying to get her to doubt herself and make a mistake.

The film deals with themes such as fear, trauma, power, and vigilante justice. It raises moral and ethical questions related to revenge, self-defense, and the justice system. Can Marjorie justify taking matters into her own hands when the law fails to protect her? Can Joe truly be held accountable for his actions? And should Marjorie pay the price for her own actions?

Farrah Fawcett's performance as Marjorie is nothing short of phenomenal. She delivers a powerful portrayal of a woman who has been emotionally and physically scarred, yet refuses to be a victim. James Russo's portrayal of the unrepentant Joe is equally stellar, as he manages to elicit both sympathy and revulsion from the audience.

Alfre Woodard and Diana Scarwid are also excellent in supporting roles, providing both humor and empathy. Their characters offer valuable insights into the psychological and emotional toll that the attack has had on Marjorie.

In summary, Extremities is a gripping and intense movie that explores the complex and often uncomfortable issues surrounding rape, power, and revenge. The film is an emotional tour de force that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It is a powerful critique of the justice system and a reminder of the importance of self-defense and standing up for oneself. Highly recommended.

Extremities is a 1986 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 39.