Death of a Cheerleader (2019): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Death of a Cheerleader is a 2019 crime thriller directed by Paul Shapiro, starring Aubrey Shea as Bridget Moretti, Melanie Rose Wilson and Sarah Dugdale. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes. Its Echo Score is 20/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 25m (85 min)
- Director
- Paul Shapiro
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Lifetime
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Death of a Cheerleader About?
The premise of Death of a Cheerleader without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This remake draws inspiration from a Rolling Stone article detailing the shocking true story of a Northern California high school cheerleader’s murder. The film explores the tragic events surrounding the death of a popular and affluent young woman, focusing on the classmate who committed the crime and the aftermath of this devastating loss within the community.
Death of a Cheerleader Themes & Keywords
· 1 tag- teensploitation
Death of a Cheerleader Cast & Characters
Aubrey Shea leads the cast as Bridget Moretti, with Melanie Rose Wilson as Jennifer Moretti and Sarah Dugdale as Kelly Locke. Directed by Paul Shapiro; 22 actors are credited in all.
- Director Paul Shapiro
- Aubrey Shea as Bridget Moretti
- Melanie Rose Wilson as Jennifer Moretti
-
Sarah Dugdale as Kelly Locke - Lane Edwards as Dale Locke
Also Starring in Death of a Cheerleader
· 18 more- Lauren K. Robek Betty Locke
- Ken Tremblett John Shelly
- Kellie Martin Agent Murray
- Morgan Taylor Campbell Nina Miller
- Alison Raine Mrs. Miller
- James Drew Dean Eli
- P. Lynn Johnson Marge Moretti
- Lucia Walters Mrs. Lockwood
- Chris William Martin Sheriff Randall
- Milo Shandel Principal Simmons
- Madelyn Grace Trish Doyle
- Robert Underwood Don Bachman
- Kate Gajdosik TV Reporter
- Pearce Visser Deacon
- Mackenzie Cardwell Judy
- Mellany Barros Ann
Show all 22 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Jade Falcon Jade
- Melissa Bradsen Mrs. Blake
More from Paul Shapiro
More films directed by Paul Shapiro: Dancing Through the Snow, Dark Angel, Heaven and Tiny House of Terror.
Death of a Cheerleader Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 20/100, strongest in story & flow (30) and weakest in rewatch factor (15).
Death of a Cheerleader Echo Score Breakdown
The remake of Death of a Cheerleader is broadly regarded as a subpar execution that fails to capture the strengths of its predecessor. Reviewers note unfocused direction, shaky camera work, and a visual style that feels cheap and out of period. Performances are described as unconvincing, with little chemistry or emotional depth among the cast. The narrative is criticized for being disjointed, hard to follow, and riddled with plot holes. Consequently, the film offers little incentive for repeat viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 20
In terms of art and craft, the film suffers from unstable direction and jerky camera movements that undermine visual coherence. Critics highlight a cheap-looking production design that fails to convincingly portray the intended setting. Editing appears uneven, contributing to a fragmented viewing experience. These technical shortcomings collectively detract from the film's aesthetic credibility, resulting in a low assessment of its artistic execution.
- Character & Emotion 25
Character and emotional work is weak, with acting repeatedly described as horrible or unconvincing. Lead performers lack the necessary presence to convey the story's tension, and chemistry among the ensemble is largely absent. While a few moments of competent acting are noted, they are insufficient to offset the overall flatness. The diminished emotional resonance leaves audiences disengaged from the protagonists' struggles.
- Story & Flow 30
The story suffers from poor pacing and a lack of narrative clarity. Reviewers find the plot hard to follow, citing numerous holes and a disjointed structure that hampers engagement. Originality is minimal, relying heavily on a familiar true‑crime premise without fresh insight. This combination of incoherence and unoriginality reduces the film's overall storytelling effectiveness.
- Sensory Experience 20
Sensory experience is marred by inadequate sound design and a visual style that feels cheap and inconsistent with the film's setting. Critics point to the constant camera motion and uninspired soundtrack, which together prevent immersion. The overall sensory cohesion is insufficient, leaving the viewing experience flat and disconnected.
- Rewatch Factor 15
Rewatch value is minimal, as the film is repeatedly described as a disappointment that offers little to revisit. The combination of weak performances, fragmented storytelling, and substandard production design diminishes lasting appeal. Viewers are advised to skip the remake in favor of the original, indicating very low incentive for subsequent viewings.
Death of a Cheerleader Plot Summary
What happens in Death of a Cheerleader from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the fictional town of Colina, California, Bridget Moretti, Aubrey Shea, is a shy student at Hollybrook High who longs to be popular by befriending Kelly Locke, the charismatic leader of the school’s most prestigious group, the Bobettes. After being accepted into the circle, Bridget hopes to climb higher by testing her chances as a cheerleader and by applying for a spot on the yearbook staff, but she is crushed when she is passed over for both opportunities. The disappointment deepens as she watches the social hierarchy tighten around Kelly and the Bobettes, leaving Bridget feeling overlooked and hungry for a place of her own.
Full summary
The whole story of Death of a Cheerleader, scene by scene
Death of a Cheerleader Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Death of a Cheerleader.
How Well Do You Know Death of a Cheerleader?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which fictional town does the story take place?
Cars in Death of a Cheerleader
13 cars on screen, including the 1978 Mercury Bobcat Villager and the BMW 3 E30.
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1978 Mercury Bobcat Villager Main role -
BMW 3 E30 Minor role -
1987 Chevrolet Caprice Minor role -
1966 Ford Fairlane 500 Minor role
Death of a Cheerleader Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “Lycéenne parfaite pour crime parfait” and “Egy pomponlány meggyilkolása”.
- Also known as
-
- Lycéenne parfaite pour crime parfait
- Egy pomponlány meggyilkolása
- 拉拉队之死
- Śmierć cheerleaderki
- O Assassinato da Cheerleader
- 치어리더 살인사건
- La venganza de Bridget
Seen Death of a Cheerleader?
Movies Like Death of a Cheerleader
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Dying to be a Cheerleader, Who Is Killing the Cheerleaders? and Cheer for Your Life.
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Dying to be a Cheerleader 2020 -
Who Is Killing the Cheerleaders? 2020 -
Cheer for Your Life 2021 -
Deadly Cheer Mom 2022 -
Blood, Sweat and Cheer 2023 -
Cheer Squad Secrets 2020 -
Killer Cheer Mom 2021 -
Cheerleader Massacre 2003 -
Cheerleader Nightmare 2018 -
Willing to Kill: The Texas Cheerleader Story 1992 -
The Secret Lives of Cheerleaders 2019 -
Deadly Cheers 2022
Death of a Cheerleader FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Death of a Cheerleader, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Death of a Cheerleader?
Death of a Cheerleader runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).
When was Death of a Cheerleader released?
Death of a Cheerleader was released on February 2, 2019.
Who directed Death of a Cheerleader?
Death of a Cheerleader was directed by Paul Shapiro.
More films by Paul Shapiro Who is in the cast of Death of a Cheerleader?
Death of a Cheerleader stars Aubrey Shea as Bridget Moretti, Melanie Rose Wilson as Jennifer Moretti and Sarah Dugdale as Kelly Locke, among 22 credited actors.
Does Death of a Cheerleader have a post-credit scene?
No. Death of a Cheerleader has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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