Heavenly Creatures

This acclaimed New Zealand retelling of a notorious '50s murder provides a showcase for two major cinema stars early in their careers: 19-year-old Kate Winslet, in her first leading role, and filmmaker Peter Jackson. Winslet and Melanie Lynskey play a pair of Kiwi schoolgirls who escape their repressive, conformist surroundings by creating a romantic imaginary universe (depicted in feverish fantasy sequences). When the girls' parents begin to question their obsessive bond, the pair decides to strike back. Oscar nominee for Best Screenplay.