🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Catfight” is a 2016 American black comedy film directed and written by Onur Tukel, starring Sandra Oh, Anne Heche, and Alicia Silverstone. The movie delves into the lives of two former college friends, Veronica and Ashley, who reunite at a posh cocktail party after taking divergent paths in life. Veronica is now the privileged wife of a wealthy man, while Ashley, with her partner Lisa, struggles to make ends meet as an artist.
As the two women reconnect, long-buried resentments, envy, and rage erupt into a brutal and bloody physical altercation, leaving them both severely injured. The narrative of “Catfight” unfolds with rapid and hard-hitting punches, mirroring the intensity of the onscreen violence.
Veronica, blaming Ashley for her misfortunes, engages in another confrontation that escalates into a savage catfight in a desolate lot. However, it is Ashley who ends up gravely injured. Veronica, attempting to stand, tumbles down a flight of stairs and slips into a coma. Two years later, she awakens with no memory of the fight.
Veronica’s awakening unveils a grim reality: her husband has taken his own life, her son perished in the Middle East conflict, and her finances have been depleted to cover her medical expenses. The film poignantly portrays the aftermath of the vicious brawl, highlighting the consequences of unchecked animosity and the fragility of human relationships.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Sandra Oh, Anne Heche, Alicia Silverstone, Amy Hill, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Ariel Kavoussi, Damian Young, Stephen Gevedon, Giullian Yao Gioiello, Tituss Burgess
| Actors | Role |
|---|---|
| Sandra Oh | Ashley Miller |
| Anne Heche | Veronica Salt |
| Alicia Silverstone | Lisa |
| Amy Hill | Donna |
| Tituss Burgess | Stanley |
| Myra Lucretia Taylor | |
| Ariel Kavoussi | |
| Craig Bierko | |
| Dylan Baker |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Catfight Movie Review: A Punchy Comedy of Errors
Imagine you’re at a high school reunion, sipping on some punch, reminiscing about the good ol’ days. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a wild brawl erupts between two former frenemies! Sounds intriguing, right? Well, that’s exactly the kind of gut-punching (pun intended) chaos you can expect from “Catfight”, a dark comedy directed by Onur Tukel.
The Plot:
“Catfight” tells the tale of Veronica (Sandra Oh) and Ashley (Anne Heche), who were adversaries back in high school. Fast forward to adulthood, they bump into each other at a party. What starts as a tense confrontation quickly escalates into an epic series of hyperviolent fights that are as hilarious as they are brutal. And let me tell you, these ladies do not hold back!
The film cleverly juxtaposes their physical battles with their personal and professional failures, making for an uproarious yet thought-provoking watch. The final shot leaves us with Aunt Charlie watching the two women fight from the window while her video camera reboots to reveal all their fighting was utterly pointless. This serves as a biting commentary on how meaningless our conflicts often are.
Themes and Tone:
“Catfight” is more than just a series of brutal confrontations; it delves deep into themes like rivalry, revenge, and the fragility of civilization. It’s like peeling back an onion – layer after layer reveals more about human nature’s inherent absurdity.
Tukel masterfully balances dark humor with visceral violence to highlight how thin the veneer of civility truly is. One moment you’re laughing at a witty one-liner; the next moment you’re wincing at a particularly painful blow. It’s this roller-coaster of emotions that makes “Catfight” such an engaging watch.
Acting and Characters:
- Sandra Oh: As Veronica, Sandra Oh brings her A-game with a performance that’s both fierce and vulnerable. You can’t help but root for her even when she’s being utterly despicable.
- Anne Heche: Anne Heche’s portrayal of Ashley is equally compelling. She captures the character’s bitterness and desperation so well that every punch she throws feels loaded with years of pent-up frustration.
The chemistry between Oh and Heche is electric. Their interactions – be it verbal sparring or physical brawling – are charged with palpable tension that keeps you glued to your seat.
Direction:
Kudos to Onur Tukel for crafting such an original narrative that keeps you guessing till the end! His direction ensures that each scene packs a punch (again, pun intended). By blending satire with slapstick violence, Tukel creates a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Cinematography:
The cinematography in “Catfight” deserves special mention. The fight scenes are shot in long takes which add to their intensity while maintaining clarity – no shaky cam here! The use of color contrasts also helps emphasize the stark differences between Veronica’s affluent life and Ashley’s struggling existence.
Score:
The score complements the film’s tone perfectly – oscillating between whimsical tunes during lighter moments and intense music during fight scenes. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Binge-Watching Tips:
- If you’re planning on binge-watching similar dark comedies or psycho-dramas after this one (think “Fight Club” or “The Lobster”), make sure you’re mentally prepared for some heavy themes mixed with humor.
- Avoid heavy meals before watching; trust me when I say some scenes might make your stomach churn!
- If possible, watch it with friends who enjoy dark humor – it’s always funnier when shared!
Your Turn!
- Have you ever had an encounter with an old rival? How did it go?
- Which other movies do you think balance dark comedy and intense drama well?
- Imagine if Veronica & Ashley had resolved their issues another way – what could’ve happened?
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifyingly real about human pettiness & rivalry then look no further than “Catfight“. It’s raw; it’s relentless; but above all else – it’s ridiculously entertaining! Though its low-budget roots occasionally peek through – it only adds charm rather than detracts from its impact.
Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆(7/10).
So grab those popcorns (and maybe some boxing gloves ), buckle up because “Cats gonna Fight!!!”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Original and unique storyline | Some viewers find it overwrought |
| Smart and well-cast | Not well-received by all critics |
| Fast-paced narrative | Violent and aggressive scenes may not be suitable for all audiences |
| Keeps the audience guessing till the end | Perceived as underbudgeted by some |
| Offers social commentary on civilization and human nature | Some viewers find it too aggressive and horrible |
Feedback
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Catfight (film) - Wikipedia
Catfightis an 2016 American black comedy film directed and written by Onur Tukel and starring Sandra Oh, Anne Heche, Alicia Silverstone, Amy Hill, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Ariel Kavoussi, Craig Bierko, Tituss Burgess, and Dylan Baker. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2016, before being released in a limited release and through video on demand on March 3, 2017, by Dark Sky Films.
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Movie Catfights - YouTube
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Catfight (2016) - IMDb
“Catfight” is a rare comedy that is funny and thought provoking at the same time. The similarity of two women in both the ways they treat other people, and their experiences are remarkable. It tells the message that what comes around goes around, and fortunes are impermanent. Holding grudges aren’t the way to go either, even though the three women in the film all hold grudges spectacularly. I enjoyed watching the film.helpful•123
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20 Great Movie Catfights - IMDb
- 19501h 21mApproved6.3 (574)DirectorLouis KingStarsJoel McCreaShelley WintersPaul KellyFrenchie Fontaine sells her successful business in New Orleans to come West. Her reason? Find the men who killed her father, Frank Dawson. But she only knows one of the two who did and she’s determined to find out the other.Shelley Winters and Marie Windsor in a catfight in a saloon owned by Shelley….lots of hairpulling and slapping to a decisive end…..
- 19871h 29mR4.4 (1.2K)DirectorFred Olen RayStarsHeather ThomasJeffrey CombsAshley FerrareA young woman must deliver a top-secret motorcycle to the US military after the man assigned to deliver it, her lover, is murdered by enemy agents.Heather Thomas in a brutal fistfight with a trator friend that helped get her boyfriend killed…..
- 19501h 10mApproved6.2 (88)DirectorThomas CarrStarsLash La RueAl St. JohnJack HoltThe Dalton gang has moved west taking new identities and Marshals Lash and Fuzzy are after them. They receive help from Pinkerton agent Joan Talbot as they try to sort out who the bad guys really are.Long catfight between 2 dancehall girls over a man…..slapping, hairpulling and ends with a big knockout punch……
- 19541h 24mApproved4.3 (173)DirectorDon ‘Red’ BarryStarsDon ‘Red’ BarryPeggie CastleJack BuetelJesse James keeps so busy skirt-chasing that his outlaw career starts to suffer.
- 19491h 22mApproved6.6 (211)DirectorCrane WilburStarsJune HavocJohn RussellDorothy HartAfter gang leader Rick is killed, his wife Molly takes over his gang but a robbery goes wrong and Molly finds herself in jail where she undergoes a personal transformation.
- 19561h 7mApproved3.4 (2K)DirectorRoger CormanStarsMarie WindsorCarole MathewsBeverly GarlandAn undercover policewoman helps three female convicts escape from prison so that they can lead her to a stash of stolen diamonds hidden in a swamp.
- 19561h 13mApproved4.6 (101)DirectorRoger CormanStarsRichard DenningPeggie CastleCathy DownsAfter six years in jail Steve returns to claim a ranch left him in a will. The town is in the middle of a rough election masterminded by saloon owner Marie. Steve is soon on the side of the opposition candidate and his pretty daughter. The town’s tough sheriff is on no-one’s side, least of all Steve’s.
- 19561h 25mApproved5.7 (610)DirectorNicholas RayStarsJane RussellCornel WildeLuther AdlerStephen Torino (Wilde), who is tricked by his brother Marco (Adler) into an arranged marriage with tempestuous Annie Caldash (Russell). Annie is willing to give the union a go, but Torino wants none of it.
- 19541h 24mApproved6.3 (258)DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsJeff ChandlerRhonda FlemingMamie Van DorenIn 1800, trapper Jason Starbuck falls for Massachusetts girl Roxana but has to rescue her from slavery when sea pirates capture Roxana and sell her to a Moroccan harem.
- 19391h 35mApproved7.6 (13K)81MetascoreDirectorGeorge MarshallStarsMarlene DietrichJames StewartMischa AuerDeputy sheriff Destry tames the town of Bottle Neck, including saloon singer Frenchy.
- 19541h 35mApproved6.6 (1.6K)DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsAudie MurphyMari BlanchardLyle BettgerA dishonest mayor and powerful criminal dominate a small western town. But when the town’s sheriff dies under mysterious circumstances, Tom Destry, son of a famed gunman, is called in to put an end to the corruption.
- 19521h 15mApproved5.2 (248)DirectorSam NewfieldRon OrmondStarsMarie WindsorRichard RoberCarla BalendaThis rather unusual 50s western is set in a town where men may not enter. The town is controlled by a woman gambler who eventually succumbs to the allure of a handsome and persistent cowboy.
- 19661h 59m5.0 (3.2K)DirectorJoseph LoseyStarsMonica VittiTerence StampDirk BogardeStylish ex-con Modesty Blaise and her partner Willie Garvin are tasked by the British Secret Service with preventing her rival Gabriel from stealing diamonds that are to be delivered to her adoptive father, a Sheikh.
- 19731h 35mR5.2 (256)DirectorDon SchainStarsCheri CaffaroTimothy BrownSheila LeightonGinger is back, more daring than before as she takes you through heart pounding scenes of violence and gripping lust. Ginger’s hard hitting display of martial arts could be performed by nobody more beautiful.
- 20091h 49mR4.5 (14K)19MetascoreDirectorRick JacobsonStarsJulia VothErin CummingsAmerica OlivoThree bad girls travel to a remote desert hideaway to steal $200 million in diamonds from a ruthless underworld kingpin.
- 19901h 53mR7.5 (355K)60MetascoreDirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real – or is he?
- 19822h 5mR6.4 (3.8K)DirectorIan SharpStarsLewis CollinsJudy DavisRichard WidmarkIt’s suspected that a peace/anti-nuke organization in UK has some extremists willing to use terrorism. The action will probably be against an embassy in London. The SAS/Special Air Service try to get the organization infiltrated.
- 19571h 11mApproved5.5 (308)DirectorEdward BerndsStarsGloria CastilloRoss FordEdd ByrnesA young man steals a car and ends up involved in a pedestrian fatality. The only witness is a girl he had just met. He threatens her life if she talks, so when she refuses to tell what she knows, she is sent to reform school.
- 19871h 34mPG3.4 (2.3K)DirectorFritz KierschStarsUrbano BarberiniRebecca FerrattiJack PalanceAmerican professor Tarl Cabot is transported via a magical ring to planet Gor, where he must help an oppressed country overthrow its evil king and his barbarian henchmen.
- 19951h 24mR4.0 (1.1K)DirectorFred Olen RayStarsJ.J. NorthTed MonteRaelyn SaalmanA magazine centerfold overdoses on a beauty-enhancement drug and grows 60 feet tall.Two 60 foot centerfolds get into a fight from the country and then into the city. The redhead is jealous of the blond because she is winning a competition for top centerfold…..slapping and hairpulling with a knockout finish.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Catfight,” directed by Onur Tukel, the story revolves around two incredibly unlikable women, Veronica played by Sandra Oh and Ashley played by Anne Heche. The two characters have a long-standing hatred for each other that escalates to a violent brawl in a stairwell, resulting in Veronica falling into a coma for two years. When Veronica wakes up, her life has drastically changed, setting the stage for a series of events that unfold in a darkly comedic and satirical manner.
The film explores the themes of class divide, societal norms, and the fragility of civilization against a backdrop of a fictional time eerily similar to our own, where a new president has declared war on the Middle East. Despite the serious undertones, the overall tone of the movie is deadpan, with the women’s rage portrayed in a way that makes them look absurd, almost like clowns in a circus.
Veronica, a trophy wife married to a war profiteer, and Ashley, a struggling artist living in a tense relationship, engage in three intense and violent fights throughout the film. These fights are choreographed to be operatic, raucous, and extremely brutal, showcasing the ferocity of the characters as they battle each other in various settings like a stairwell, a vacant lot, and a forest glade.
The movie uses the fights as a narrative anchor, highlighting the mirroring effects in the characters’ lives and the cyclical nature of their conflicts. The satirical elements in the film critique societal structures and norms, showing how easily civilization can crumble under the weight of personal vendettas and unchecked rage.
“Catfight” challenges the audience to reflect on the absurdity of human behavior, the consequences of unchecked anger, and the thin veneer of civility that masks deeper societal issues. Through dark humor and intense performances by Sandra Oh and Anne Heche, the film delivers a thought-provoking commentary on class, power dynamics, and the destructive nature of unresolved animosity.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating and Parental Guide:
Age Recommendation: Catfight is rated R for strong violence, language, and some sexuality. This movie is suitable for mature audiences only.
Sex & Nudity: There are scenes of sexuality and intimacy, including implied sexual activity and references to adult themes.
Violence & Gore: Catfight features intense and graphic violence throughout the film, including physical fights, brutal confrontations, and injuries with blood and gore.
Profanity: The movie contains frequent use of strong language, including profanity, crude terms, and explicit dialogue.
Overall Parental Guidance: Parents should be aware that Catfight is a dark comedy with mature themes, violent content, and strong language. It is not suitable for children or young teenagers. Viewer discretion is advised for adult audiences due to the intense nature of the film.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Currently you are able to watch Catfight streaming on Netflix, Netflix basic with Ads. |
| Microsoft Store | It is possible to buy Catfight on Microsoft Store. |
| Apple TV | It is possible to buy Catfight on Apple TV. |
| Amazon Video | It is possible to buy or rent Catfight on Amazon Video. |
| Vudu | It is possible to buy or rent Catfight on Vudu. |
| Google Play Movies | It is possible to buy or rent Catfight on Google Play Movies. |
| YouTube | It is possible to buy or rent Catfight on YouTube. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Catfight is about two women who have had a rivalry that spans over the course of a lifetime.
Struggling artist Ashley Miller (Anne Heche) and wealthy housewife Veronica (Sandra Oh) were close in college but have not seen each other since.
After they reunite at a party, verbal bouts lead to a physical brawl that puts Veronica into a coma.
Catfight is a satire that contains a biting wit that hits from the minute the movie begins.
Even if it initially left me unsure of what it is a satire of, it still manages to work as a character study and the nature of envy, which can consume us to the point where we lose everything and all we have left is our jealousy and hatred.
The depths of its storytelling molds well with the darkly comic sensibilities brought to life by writer/director Onur Tukel, and the dynamite performances by its two leading ladies.
Catfight is about two women who have had a rivalry that spans over the course of a lifetime.
Struggling artist Ashley Miller (Anne Heche) and wealthy housewife Veronica (Sandra Oh) were close in college but have not seen each other since.
After they reunite at a party, verbal bouts lead to a physical brawl that puts Veronica into a coma.
Once Veronica finally wakes up after two years, she realizes that she has lost both her family and her wealth.
In the meantime, Ashley’s art career has flourished.
After another chance encounter, Veronica and Ashley end up locked in combat for years to come.
As I mentioned before, in spite of the film being categorized as a satire, I was initially unsure of what it is a satire of and what exactly it is trying to poke fun at.
But as the film progressed, it left me with slight reminders of the 1968 horror classic Night of the Living Dead.
While both films are different in genre and in plot, both films carry similar themes about the need for human beings to “feed off” of one another for sustenance.
Except in this film, the two women feeding off of each other to gain power and prosperity is strictly metaphorical, whereas in Night of the Living Dead, the need to feed was both literal and metaphorical.
Also, because the narrative involves strictly two women in a never-ending battle, it allows the film to work as a character study as well as a critique of the lust for power often present in human beings.
The two main characters are brought together with such pulsation by the actresses portraying them.
Even when they are not throwing physical punches, both Sandra Oh and Anne Heche still fire up the screen with their sharp comedic timing, mixed with depth-filled dramatic characterizations.
While Sandra Oh presents us with a woman who is vain with relishing of her initial wealth as well as poking fun at her son for his love of art, she still lets us see the emotional bruises left on her, once all that she loved was stripped away, and without the use of dialogue.
Her seamless blend of comedy and tragedy even makes the film a sad reminder of how Hollywood never properly utilizes her tremendous gifts as a performer.
As for Anne Heche, she is aces as Ashley, a woman with a more neverending arrogance that initially stems from how she is bitter over trying to make her dream as an artist turn to reality, but that bitterness grows into egotism once her dream finally does come true.
But credit should go to the supporting players as well.
One actress in particular who stands out is Myra Lucretia Taylor as Donna, a former housekeeper of Veronica’s that acts as a moral compass, recognizing the good inside of Veronica in spite of Veronica’s ignorance towards her.
Another standout is Ariel Kavoussi, who gives a hilariously layered turn as Sally, Ashley’s helium-voiced assistant who is treated as a punching bag yet is complicit and sweet before committing a quiet act of vengeance, which I won’t spoil.
Alicia Silverstone also has a role as Ashley’s partner Lisa, and even if she isn’t given too much to do, she and Heche had some nice chemistry.
🤖Catfight Reddit Talks
Catfight is a 2016 American action comedy film directed and written by Onur Tukel. The film stars Sandra Oh, Anne Heche, Alicia Silverstone, and Amy Hill. The film follows two college friends who, after a falling out, reunite at a party and their rivalry quickly escalates into a violent fight.
The film has been met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its dark humor and performances, while others criticizing its violence and lack of depth. However, the film has been a hit with audiences, and has been praised for its unique and refreshing take on the female friendship.
One of the most striking things about Catfight is its violence. The film features several brutal fight scenes, which are both shocking and visceral. However, the violence is not gratuitous; it is used to explore the characters’ inner turmoil and the destructive nature of their rivalry.
Another notable aspect of Catfight is its dark humor. The film is full of black comedy, which helps to offset the violence and make the film more palatable. The humor is often very dark, but it is also very effective.
The performances in Catfight are all excellent. Sandra Oh and Anne Heche are both excellent as the two rivals, and they bring a great deal of depth and nuance to their roles. Alicia Silverstone is also good as the rival’s friend, and she provides some much-needed comic relief.
Overall, Catfight is a well-made and entertaining film. It is not for everyone, but it is sure to appeal to fans of dark comedy and action films. The film’s violence and dark humor may be off-putting to some viewers, but it is ultimately a very rewarding experience.
Here are some of the topics that have been discussed on social media about Catfight:
- The film’s violence and how it is used to explore the characters’ inner turmoil.
- The film’s dark humor and how it helps to offset the violence.
- The performances of the cast, particularly Sandra Oh and Anne Heche.
- The film’s overall message and what it says about female friendship.
Catfight is a film that has sparked a lot of discussion and debate. It is a film that is not afraid to push boundaries, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/5wpypv/catfight_is_an_agressively_horrible_film/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixBestOf/comments/6g1vn4/us_catfight_2016_dark_comedy_about_two_college/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/gx5ak1/catfight_2016_is_a_great_fun_film_that_deserves/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KillingEve/comments/tpyak0/catfight_the_movie/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/5velsj/we_are_sandra_oh_anne_heche_and_alicia/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Catfight movie?
In the final shot, the delusional and dazed Aunt Charlie watches the two fight from the window. The video camera suddenly reboots, revealing it wasn’t broken after all, and showing that all of Ashley and Veronica’s fighting is completely pointless.
What is the movie Catfight about?
Catfight is a film about two women, Ashley and Veronica, who have a longstanding rivalry that leads to a brutal and bloody fight at a cocktail party. The movie explores themes of jealousy, anger, and the consequences of long-buried hostilities coming to the surface.
What happened at the end of Catfight?
When Veronica tries to stand, she falls down the stairs and slips into a coma. Two years later, Veronica awakens with no memory of the fight. She learns that her husband shot himself, her son died fighting the war in the Middle East, and all of her money was spent to pay for her treatment.
Why is it called catfight?
A fight between two women is called a “catfight” because, similar to cats, they often scratch and claw at each other during a physical altercation. The term originated from the sharp nails being used as prime weapons, just like how cats fight using their claws.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
Here is a list of similar movies to “Catfight”:
- Jennifer’s Body (2009) : A dark comedy horror film about a cheerleader who becomes possessed and starts killing her male classmates.
- Ingrid Goes West (2017) : A comedy-drama film following a young woman who becomes obsessed with a social media influencer.
- Flower (2017) : A dark comedy-drama about a rebellious teenage girl who forms an unlikely bond with her step-brother.
