Primetime Review
A blast from the past with a sickly allure, the Robert Pattinson romp Primetime is as garish as its subject: Chris Hansen’s To Catch a Predator.
This review is based on a screening from the Venice Film Festival. Primetime is currently in theaters, set to premiere on September 25. Familiarity with Chris Hansen or To Catch a Predator is not required to appreciate this film; however, it does help. While the movie doesn't strictly follow real events, it makes bold choices and intentionally alters the timeline for dramatic effect. This results in a thrilling, gritty, and suspenseful drama that delves into the rise of reality TV and its connection to the genre itself.
The story begins with TV personality Chris Hansen (Robert Pattinson) privately exposing sexually explicit chat logs sent by a deceitful former Marine (Tony Revolori) to a fictional teenage boy. As Hansen prepares to confront the perpetrator, the movie unveils its thrilling and risqué elements. The film is characterized by its shadowy atmosphere and heightened version of Hansen, who appears as a sinister and boastful figure reminiscent of a Broadway veteran.
As Hansen's career escalates, NBC executives demand bigger, flashier, and more sensational stings, pushing the team to pursue potential suspects more aggressively. This leads to a series of daring maneuvers, culminating in a fateful encounter with someone they suspect of having influence. While the film doesn't shy away from the unethical actions of the main characters, it also paints a picture of the seduction and manipulation involved in their pursuit of power.
Merritt Wever plays Hansen's fictitious producer Andie Bender, whose polite demeanor conceals exploitative intentions, while Matthew Maher portrays Xavier Von Erk, the keyboard warrior who ensnares potential perps. Phoebe Bridgers and Skyler Gisondo round out the team with Del, an adult decoy and activist, and Dan Plum, a young, ambitious actor eager to please his bosses.
Pattinson's portrayal of the manipulative Hansen is explosive and captivating, capturing the essence of a man envious of others' success in the media industry.
Despite the film's potential legal implications, it remains focused on the personal and professional temptations of the show's creators and fans. Pattinson delivers a mesmerizing performance, embodying the essence of Hollywood's allure and the pursuit of fame at any cost. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of reality TV and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
