{
  "id": 7007927,
  "title": "‘Evil Genius’ Review: Patricia Arquette Is Killer in Courteney Cox’s Twisted True Crime Tale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/evil-genius-review-patricia-arquette-is-killer-in-courteney-coxs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-12T22:23:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/evil-genius-review-courteney-cox-patricia-arquette/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "\"Evil Genius,\" the latest directorial effort from Courteney Cox, brings to life the twisted true crime story of Brian Wells, a pizza delivery man who was killed in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003. The film, based on the 2018 docuseries of the same name, follows Cox's adaptation of events leading up to Wells' death and the reasoning behind his high-profile murder. Oscar-winning actress Patricia Arquette delivers a captivating performance as Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, a woman of beauty and intelligence who falls into the wrong crowd. Cox and her team do not shy away from presenting the convoluted plot, which includes a bank heist at Erie's PNC Bank, a murder for hire, and the involvement of an amateur hitman, convicted felon, and prostitute. The film keeps the audience guessing about who the true mastermind behind the crime is, with Cox excelling in her portrayal of Marjorie's manipulative and cold nature. As the film delves into the FBI investigation into Wells' death, Cox keeps her audience guessing as to the true extent of Marjorie's involvement. The film offers a fresh perspective on this real-life case, leaving viewers questioning the motives and actions of those at the center of the plot.",
  "summary": "TIFF 2026: David Harbour and Michael Chernus round out a cast directed by Cox The post ‘Evil Genius’ Review: Patricia Arquette Is Killer in Courteney Cox’s Twisted True Crime Tale appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Patricia Arquette stars as Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong in 'Evil Genius'",
    "Courteney Cox directs true crime adaptation of 2003 Erie murder",
    "Film explores bank heist, murder for hire, and manipulative plot twists"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}