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A woman advertising for a new roommate finds that something very strange is going on with the tenant who decides to move in.

Director:

Barbet Schroeder

Writers:

John Lutz (novel), Don Roos (screenplay)
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Popularity
2,947 ( 289)
1 win & 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bridget Fonda ... Allison Jones
Jennifer Jason Leigh ... Hedra Carlson
Steven Weber ... Sam Rawson
Peter Friedman ... Graham Knox
Stephen Tobolowsky ... Mitchell Myerson
Frances Bay ... Elderly Neighbor
Michele Farr Michele Farr ... Myerson's Assistant
Tara Karsian ... Mannish Applicant
Christiana D'Amore ... Exotic Applicant (as Christiana Capetillo)
Jessica Lundy ... Talkative Applicant
Renée Estevez ... Perfect Applicant (as Rene Estevez)
Tiffany Mataras ... Twin
Krystle Mataras ... Twin
Amelia Campbell ... Check Cashier
Kenneth Tobey ... Desk Clerk (as Ken Tobey)
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Storyline

When a 'Single White Female' places an ad in the press for a similar woman to rent a room (to replace the boyfriend she's just left), all the applicants seem weird. Then along comes a level headed woman who seems to be just right. The new lodger has a secret past which haunts her. Written by Rob Hartill

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

How do you lock the terror out... when you already invited it in? See more »

Genres:

Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, and for violence and language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Bridget Fonda had the choice of playing either Allie or Hedy. She ended up choosing to play Allie, because she said it was a harder role. See more »

Goofs

On Allison's pay record on the computer, the pay dates are stated as 1st and 15th August 1991. Mitch states that the 15th pay is overdue and it is a Friday. Both of those days actually fell on a Thursday. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Sam Rawson: [Sam talks to Allie while laying in bed] So how many kids do we want?
Allison Jones: I don't know. What's the statistical norm?
Sam Rawson: Oh... You and your statistics. One point two.
Allison Jones: Hm... Okay, then I want two point two. And I want them to look like you.
Sam Rawson: Oh, those poor kids.
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Alternate Versions

For the Indian theatrical release, the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) made cuts for an 'A' (restricted to adults) rating (Certificate #CFL/A/2516-MUM).
  • Reduce by 50% the love-making scene between Allie and Sam (Length Retained: 9.00 ft.)
  • Delete the visuals of the nude Hedra in the bath-tub.
  • Delete the visuals of bare breasted Hedra in bed while masturbating.
  • Reduce by 60% the visuals of the naked Hedra under the shower, deleting her frontal nudity (Length Retained: 7.07 ft.)
  • Reduce by 60% the visuals of love-making between Hedra and Sam, deleting visuals of her bare breasts (Length Retained: 45.00 ft.).
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Connections

Referenced in Castle: Nikki Heat (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

SADENESS PART I
Written by Michael Cretu (as Curly M.C.), Frank Peterson (as F. Gregorian) & David Fairstein
Performed by Enigma
Courtesy of Virgin Records Ltd. and Charisma Records Inc.
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User Reviews

 
A pretty decent psychological thriller
15 April 2002 | by smatysiaSee all my reviews

A fairly engaging psychological thriller. Of course, there must be some suspension of disbelief, as in Hedy(Jennifer Jason Leigh) wielding a shoe. Also, there really are no truly sympathetic characters here. Hedy, of course, is what she is. And, Allie(Bridget Fonda), the supposed heroine, does kind of screw over Hedy. And Sam (Steven Webber) is basically a snake anyway. As for the actors, I thought Miss Leigh was by far the best, though she had the meatiest part, so it may be hard to compare. And what an amazing apartment for a young software designer in Manhattan. OK, they mentioned it was rent-controlled. What an insane economic policy. Grade: B-


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 August 1992 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Single White Female See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$16,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$10,212,401, 16 August 1992

Gross USA:

$48,017,402

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$48,017,402
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Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures See more »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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