Ryan Murphy's latest thriller, The Shards, is set to premiere on FX and Hulu on August 5, promising the producer's signature blend of glamour, gore, and psychological tension. The series marks Murphy's first collaboration with novelist Bret Easton Ellis, whose works have long explored the dark underbelly of privilege. But before The Shards arrives, there's a cinematic gem that connects Ellis to another iconic filmmaker: Quentin Tarantino.
In 2002, The Rules of Attraction hit theaters, directed by Roger Avary—who co-wrote Pulp Fiction with Tarantino—and based on Ellis's novel of the same name. The film, which has since gained cult status, offers a raw, unflinching look at affluent college students spiraling into hedonism and despair. It's a perfect companion piece to The Shards, exploring similar themes of wealth, decay, and the masks people wear.
A Dark Turn for a Teen Heartthrob
Set at the fictional Camden College in New Hampshire, The Rules of Attraction centers on three students: Sean Bateman (James Van Der Beek), Lauren Hynde (Shannyn Sossamon), and Paul Denton (Ian Somerhalder). Sean, who believes he's receiving love letters from Lauren, pursues her while she remains devoted to her boyfriend abroad. Meanwhile, Paul—Lauren's bisexual ex—becomes infatuated with Sean, mistaking his coldness for connection. Their intertwined stories unfold in a non-linear narrative that mirrors the chaos of their lives.
Van Der Beek, known for his wholesome role in Dawson's Creek, delivers a startling performance as Sean—manipulative, selfish, and emotionally numb. The film also features Jessica Biel, then famous for 7th Heaven, in a role that subverts her clean-cut image. Even Fred Savage, the beloved child star of The Wonder Years, appears as a disheveled drug addict, shattering any lingering innocence.
A Link to 'American Psycho'
Fans of Ellis's work will notice a direct connection to American Psycho: Sean is the younger brother of Patrick Bateman, the infamous protagonist of that novel and its 2000 film adaptation. This tie-in adds another layer to the story, suggesting that the Bateman family's dysfunction runs deep. Avary's direction blurs moral lines and expectations, delivering a scathing critique of performative excess that feels as relevant today as it did two decades ago.
Unlike the teen comedies that dominated the early 2000s—think American Pie or Road Trip—The Rules of Attraction offers no easy laughs or redemptive arcs. Instead, it presents a cynical, fragmented portrait of youth culture pushed to its breaking point. The film's non-linear structure and refusal to conform to genre conventions set it apart, earning it a devoted following over the years.
Ellis's Stamp of Approval
While many authors have distanced themselves from adaptations of their work—Stephen King famously disliked The Shining—Ellis has consistently praised The Rules of Attraction. In a 2010 talk, he called it his favorite adaptation of his novels, noting that it captured the sensibility of the book in a way that American Psycho and Less Than Zero did not. "I watched that movie and thought they got it," he said.
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, The Rules of Attraction has aged well, offering a prescient look at the malaise of modern youth. It's a must-watch for fans of The Shards and anyone interested in the darker side of coming-of-age stories. And the best part? It's currently streaming for free on Tubi and Pluto TV, making it easier than ever to discover this hidden gem.
For more thrilling recommendations, check out our list of the best psychological thrillers of the 21st century, or dive into the most suspenseful thrillers ever made. And if you're curious about other free streaming options, see why a Stallone thriller found new life on Tubi.
