The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)

Director: Renny Harlin
Writer: Shane Black
Stars: Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, Craig Bierko, Brian Cox, David Moore

Renowned for its blend of thrilling action and intriguing mystery, “The Long Kiss Goodnight” throws audiences into a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns. Geena Davis delivers a captivating performance as Samantha Kaine, a seemingly ordinary suburban housewife/PTA mom who has suffered from amnesia and can’t remember who she was before eight years ago. 

A traumatic head injury from a bad car accident starts to bring back skills and the ability to know things that are seemingly from her past. A mysterious man shows up and tries to kill her, resulting in more trauma to the head, which unlocks even more memories.

As she grapples with the fragments of her forgotten past, a dangerous world of espionage and intrigue unfolds, forcing her to confront a hidden identity as a highly skilled assassin. This 1996 action-thriller, directed by Renny Harlin, not only showcases Davis’s impressive physicality but also provides a brilliantly performed transformation of identities as her old self revives from the past.

The amnesia plot device in “The Long Kiss Goodnight” is used effectively to drive the narrative and create suspense. Samantha’s gradual recovery of memories, often triggered by flashbacks or specific cues, pushes the plot forward. The uncertainty surrounding her past and the danger it signifies creates a constant sense of unease and keeps the audience engaged.

The film maintains a brisk pace, interweaving action sequences with moments of character development and plot revelations. The suspense builds steadily as Samantha delves deeper into her past, facing increasing danger from both her former associates and those who want to keep her secrets buried.

While some twists and turns are predictable to seasoned action movie viewers, the film compensates with its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and well-executed action sequences, such as the unexpected humor injected by Samuel L. Jackson’s character providing a welcome counterpoint to the suspense and keeping the tone from becoming overly serious.

The icy water torture scene in “The Long Kiss Goodnight” is a pivotal moment that marks Samantha’s transformation from the seemingly ordinary housewife to the lethal assassin, Charly Baltimore

This scene is preceded by a series of increasingly intense interrogations, where Samantha, under duress, grapples with the fragments of her forgotten past. The water torture amplifies this struggle, pushing her to the brink of physical and psychological collapse.

As Samantha is submerged, her face contorts in pain and fear, reflecting the trauma of the amnesiac housewife, Samantha Kaine. However, as she resurfaces, a subtle shift occurs. Her eyes harden, her expression becomes steely, and a flicker of recognition appears. After the third time being submerged in the icy water, she resurfaces as the assassin, Charly Baltimore. This is where the movie takes a dramatic turn, changing the feel of where the movie is taking us.

This scene is a testament to Geena Davis’s acting prowess. She seamlessly transitions from the vulnerable, terrified Samantha to the cold, calculating Charly. The subtle changes in her facial expressions, body language, and even her breathing convey the depth of this transformation.

The water in this scene is a powerful symbol, representing both the drowning of Samantha’s “normal” life and the rebirth or resurrection of Charly Baltimore, the deadly assassin. The act of submersion and resurfacing mirrors the process of confronting and reclaiming her forgotten identity.

In conclusion, “The Long Kiss Goodnight” is a thrilling and entertaining action-thriller that effectively blends suspense, humor, and intriguing character development. Geena Davis delivers a powerful and multifaceted performance, showcasing her impressive range and physicality. While some elements feel familiar to seasoned action movie viewers, the film’s engaging story, witty dialogue, and well-executed action sequences make it a captivating cinematic experience. Ultimately, “The Long Kiss Goodnight” is a thrilling ride that will leave audiences guessing until the very end.

Glenn Ryan
The Reel Muse
January 1, 2025