IMDb 5.5 1997 HD

Dying to Belong

Dying to Belong

1997
Drama TV Movie
120 min NR USA
5.2 / 10
5.5 IMDB

When a girls friend is killed by a college hazing, she is the only one who can find out the truth.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director William A. Graham / Charlie Picerni
Starring
Hilary Swank / Sarah Chalke / Jenna Von Oÿ / Laurel Holloman / Jennifer Warren / Gregory Alan Williams / Tracy Middendorf / Isabella Hofmann

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling tragic suspenseful dramatic cautionary earnest emotional predictable affecting intense thought-provoking

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 14, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

In 'Dying to Belong,' Hilary Swank delivers a performance that is both vulnerable and fierce, portraying a young woman driven by loss and a quest for justice. The film effectively captures the emotional turmoil following a tragic hazing…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 14, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

This late 90s drama tackles the serious subject of college hazing, but 'Dying to Belong' struggles to rise above its made-for-television origins. Hilary Swank, even then showing glimpses of her considerable talent, does her best with a script…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 14, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Dying to Belong' stands out for its unflinching look at the devastating consequences of college hazing, anchored by a compelling performance from Hilary Swank. The film masterfully balances the raw emotion of grief with a palpable sense of…

M
Marcus Bellwether
May 14, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

As a piece of dramatic filmmaking from the late 90s, 'Dying to Belong' delivers a straightforward, if somewhat predictable, exploration of a tragic college incident. Hilary Swank leads a cast that competently navigates the material, particularly in conveying…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 14, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Hilary Swank anchors 'Dying to Belong' with a performance that grounds the film's dramatic intensity. The narrative, while treading familiar territory concerning the perils of college hazing, finds a compelling pulse in Swank's determined portrayal of a young…

FAQs

The film powerfully illustrates the profound bond of friendship, particularly in the face of adversity. The central character's motivation stems directly from her loyalty and love for her deceased friend. This connection fuels her relentless investigation, demonstrating how the impact of a true friendship can extend beyond loss, inspiring courage and a deep-seated need to honour their memory by seeking justice.