[2] Released in 1997, the film earned positive reviews from critics, with New York Magazine calling it "superior" to the Stanley Kubrick version from 1962,[3] and Caryn James of The New York Times writing that Swain's performance was "extraordinary," adding: She is within sight of womanhood yet remains, definitely, a schoolgirl ... Ms. Swain walks this incredibly narrow line between innocent playfulness and adult knowledge without a misstep.

[7] Speaking of finding it hard to secure roles in the wake of Lolita, a matter she attributed to typecasting, Swain later commented, "I turned down stuff specifically because of nudity, because it doesn't take a whole lot of class to yank your clothes off ...

"[2] Swain had prominent roles in various independent films throughout the early 2000s—The Smokers, Intern, Pumpkin, New Best Friend—and worked on three occasions with Brad Renfro—Happy Campers, Tart, The Job—prior to his death.

[10] A crime drama based on the murder of Nicholas Markowitz, Swain's character was inspired by Natasha Adams-Young, a key figure in the real case who was granted legal immunity in exchange for her testimony in court.

[12] She received praise for her performance in the 2010 thriller Road to Nowhere,[13] which Kevin Thomas described as a "stylish, shimmering neo-noir" in his review for the Los Angeles Times.