In the glittering constellation of Jodie Foster’s illustrious career, few films shine as brightly yet remain as underappreciated as Five Corners (1987). This electrifying thriller, directed by the masterful Tony Bill and penned by Oscar-winning genius John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck), is a pulse-pounding masterpiece that showcases Foster at the peak of her early prowess. With a performance that’s every bit as gripping as her Oscar-winning turns in The Accused (1988) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Foster delivers a tour de force as Linda, a fiercely independent young woman battling a dangerous stalker in a volatile 1964 Bronx neighborhood. Yet, despite its critical acclaim and stellar ensemble, Five Corners has languished in the shadows of Foster’s blockbuster hits, making it a hidden gem ripe for rediscovery. If you’ve been captivated by her iconic roles, this cinematic diamond—available on Tubi and Amazon Prime—will leave you breathless with its raw intensity, sharp storytelling, and unforgettable performances.

Five Corners isn’t just a film; it’s a rollercoaster of suspense, emotion, and social commentary that rivals the best of Foster’s catalog. Blending the gritty urban tension of Taxi Driver (1976) with the psychological depth of The Silence of the Lambs, it’s a thrilling cocktail of drama, danger, and humanity. With a stellar cast including John Turturro, Tim Robbins, and Todd Graff, and a narrative that weaves obsession, redemption, and civil rights struggles, this 1987 gem is a must-watch for fans and cinephiles alike. Let’s dive into why Five Corners deserves a spotlight, exploring Foster’s mesmerizing performance, the film’s standout moments, and its enduring relevance in today’s world.

Jodie Foster: A Cinematic Legend with a Fearless Spirit

Jodie Foster, born Alicia Christian Foster on November 19, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, is a cinematic titan whose career spans six decades. From her debut at age three in a Coppertone commercial to her Emmy-winning role in True Detective: Night Country (2024) and Oscar-nominated performance in Nyad (2023), Foster has consistently pushed boundaries. Her early breakout as Iris in Taxi Driver (1976) at age 14 earned her an Oscar nomination, showcasing her ability to tackle mature roles with astonishing depth. Her dual Academy Awards for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs cemented her as a leading lady, while her directorial work on Little Man Tate (1991) and Orange Is the New Black episodes revealed her multifaceted talent.

Foster’s choice of Five Corners at age 24 was a bold step, transitioning from child roles to complex adult leads. With a net worth of $100 million, she could afford selectivity, yet her willingness to embrace indie projects like this one underscores her commitment to challenging narratives. “I’ve always gone for roles that scare me,” Foster told Variety in 2024, a philosophy evident in her riveting portrayal of Linda. This lesser-known gem bridges her early work and later triumphs, making it a pivotal chapter in her storied career.

The Brilliance of Five Corners: A Thriller That Packs a Punch

Plot Overview: A Neighborhood on the Edge

Set in the sweltering summer of 1964 in New York’s Bronx, Five Corners is a gripping tale of obsession and redemption that unfolds at a real intersection that serves as the film’s metaphorical heart. The story centers on Linda (Jodie Foster), a pet store clerk who’s trying to rebuild her life after surviving an attempted assault by Heinz Sabatino (John Turturro), a volatile ex-con who’s just been released from prison. Heinz, unhinged and dangerously obsessed, resumes stalking Linda, igniting a chain of events that threatens to unravel the neighborhood.

The film weaves multiple storylines with masterful precision. Harry (Tim Robbins), Linda’s idealistic friend and a civil rights activist inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., becomes her protector, grappling with his non-violent principles in a violent world. Jamie (Todd Graff), Linda’s loyal but bumbling boyfriend, adds humor and heart, while quirky subplots—like escaped penguins from the Bronx Zoo and a pair of inept cops—infuse the narrative with eccentric charm. Against a backdrop of civil rights protests and urban decay, the film captures a community at a crossroads, where personal struggles mirror societal upheaval.

Jodie Foster’s Spellbinding Performance

Foster’s portrayal of Linda is nothing short of electrifying—a performance that rivals her iconic Clarice Starling. At 24, she imbues Linda with a potent mix of toughness and vulnerability, making her both relatable and heroic. Linda is no damsel; she’s a street-smart survivor who faces Heinz’s terror with defiance, yet Foster layers her with subtle cracks of fear and resilience. In one unforgettable scene, Linda confronts Heinz in a tense standoff, spitting out, “You think you own me? You don’t own anything but your own misery.” The line, delivered with searing intensity, showcases Foster’s ability to command the screen, her eyes blazing with fury and pain.

Foster’s chemistry with Turturro, whose Heinz is a terrifying blend of menace and pathos, elevates the film to heart-pounding heights. Their rooftop climax, where Linda’s survival instincts kick into overdrive, is as thrilling as any modern action sequence, prefiguring Foster’s later roles in Panic Room (2002). Critics at the time, like Roger Ebert, praised her “fierce and focused” performance, noting how she anchors the film’s chaotic energy. It’s a testament to her skill that Linda feels as vivid and compelling as Foster’s more famous characters.

Standout Ensemble and Cinematic Craft

The film’s ensemble is a powerhouse. Turturro’s Heinz is a villain for the ages—wild-eyed, unpredictable, yet tragically human, his obsession driving the narrative’s relentless tension. Robbins, as the pacifist Harry, delivers a soulful performance, his moral dilemmas echoing the era’s civil rights struggles. Graff’s Jamie provides comedic relief, his awkward devotion to Linda adding warmth. Minor characters, like the bumbling cops (Rose Gregorio and Kathleen Widdoes) investigating the penguin theft, bring levity that balances the darkness, much like the tonal shifts in The Silence of the Lambs.

Directed by Tony Bill, an Oscar winner for The Sting (1973), Five Corners is a visual and emotional triumph. Cinematographer Fred Murphy captures the Bronx’s gritty authenticity with shadowy alleys and vibrant street scenes, creating a claustrophobic sense of danger. James Newton Howard’s score, blending jazz rhythms with ominous strings, amplifies the suspense without overpowering the drama. Bill’s pacing, at a tight 90 minutes, ensures every scene crackles with energy, making the film feel both timeless and urgent.

Why Five Corners Rivals Foster’s Blockbusters

Parallels with The Silence of the Lambs

Comparing Five Corners to The Silence of the Lambs reveals striking similarities. Both films feature Foster as a woman confronting a dangerous predator—Heinz’s obsessive stalking mirrors Hannibal Lecter’s psychological menace. Linda’s street-smart resilience foreshadows Clarice’s tenacity, and both characters navigate male-dominated worlds with grit. The rooftop chase in Five Corners is as pulse-pounding as Clarice’s pursuit of Buffalo Bill, showcasing Foster’s ability to carry high-stakes sequences. Yet, Five Corners stands out for its historical context, weaving civil rights themes into a personal story, much like The Accused tackled social issues.

Social Relevance and Timeless Themes

Released in 1988, Five Corners captures the 1964 Bronx at a turning point—racial tensions, civil rights activism, and urban decay form the backdrop. Harry’s commitment to non-violence, inspired by MLK, resonates with today’s social justice movements, while Linda’s fight against stalking speaks to #MeToo conversations. The film’s exploration of obsession, trauma, and redemption feels as relevant now as it did then, making it a prescient gem that deserves a modern audience.

Why It Was Overlooked

Despite critical praise, Five Corners grossed only $969,000 against a $5.5 million budget, overshadowed by 1988 blockbusters like Die Hard and Rain Man. Its indie status and limited marketing didn’t help, and Foster’s subsequent Oscar wins for The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs eclipsed it. Yet, its cult following has grown, with streaming platforms boosting its visibility. Fans on Reddit and Letterboxd call it “criminally underrated,” praising Foster’s “raw power.”

Rediscovering Five Corners: A Call to Action

Five Corners is a cinematic triumph that demands rediscovery. Foster’s performance is a masterclass in intensity, rivaling her most iconic roles. Turturro’s chilling villainy, Robbins’ soulful idealism, and Shanley’s razor-sharp script create a thriller that’s as emotionally rich as it is suspenseful. The film’s blend of noir aesthetics, historical depth, and quirky humor makes it a unique entry in Foster’s filmography, perfect for fans of Panic Room or Contact.

Stream Five Corners on Tubi or Amazon Prime and witness Jodie Foster at her electrifying best. This isn’t just a forgotten film—it’s a masterpiece that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with her greatest hits, proving her unparalleled talent. Don’t miss out on this dazzling, heart-pounding gem that will leave you in awe of Foster’s brilliance.