Synopsis

After moving to the seemingly idyllic town of Cradle Bay, teenager Steve Clark notices that many of his classmates have transformed into unnervingly perfect students. Along with Rachel and Gavin, he investigates the town's secretive behavioral program and discovers a plan to reshape rebellious teenagers into obedient citizens. Their search exposes a disturbing conspiracy involving the school, local authorities, and the community's influential adults.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was an international co-production between the United States and Australia.

• The story draws comparisons to The Stepford Wives, using an apparently perfect community to explore conformity, social control, and the suppression of individuality.

• The theatrical version was heavily re-edited after unfavorable test screenings. Scenes involving Steve's dead brother, Steve and Rachel's relationship, and additional character development were removed.

• The original cut reportedly ran about 115 minutes, while the theatrical release was reduced to roughly 84 minutes. The extensive changes contributed to the film's abrupt pacing and unresolved story elements.

• The original ending was changed after test audiences objected to the fate of one of the central characters. Additional material was filmed to create a more conventional conclusion.

• The film's production turmoil became one of its most discussed aspects, and fans have continued to campaign for the restoration of the longer version.

• The names Newberry and Caldicott carry a literary in-joke: they are also associated with major American children's book awards.

• The home-video release included deleted scenes that restored some of the character and plot material missing from the theatrical cut.