Pretty Persuasion (2005)

In the manicured landscape of Beverly Hills, Kimberly Joyce, a cunning and audacious fifteen-year-old, wields her charisma like a weapon. A budding actress with a Machiavellian streak, she ensnares her friends, Brittany Wells and Randa Azzouni, into a sinister plot. Under Kimberly's persuasive influence, they accuse Percy Anderson, their Literature and Arts teacher at the town's prestigious private school, of unforgivable sexual assault. Amidst the unfolding scandal, Emily Klein, a local reporter with dreams bigger than her current assignment on the school, finds herself drawn into Kimberly's tangled web. Initially tasked with a mere fluff piece, Emily sees an opportunity in the escalating controversy. She angles to leverage this sensational case, hoping it will catapult her into the dazzling realm of television news stardom. Meanwhile, Kimberly's father, Hank Joyce, a man of questionable principles and unmasked bigotry, wrestles with the repercussions of his daughter's accusations. His primary concern, far removed from the moral implications, is the potential impact on his thriving business. As the trial intensifies, Kimberly's manipulative tactics don't stop at her friends and teacher. She skillfully exploits Emily's hidden vulnerabilities, drawing the unsuspecting journalist deeper into their cause. As the plot spirals, the consequences of Kimberly's deception lead to a startling and tragic climax that no one sees coming. In the world of 'Pretty Persuasion,' nothing is as it seems, and the taste of power can be as intoxicating as it is deadly.

Pretty Persuasion is a comedy movie featuring Evan Rachel Wood and directed by Marcos Siega.

Pretty Persuasion is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex, Plex Player, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on DIRECTV and Starz Apple TV Channel.

It is also possible to buy Pretty Persuasion on Amazon Video and Apple TV.