"PRIMETIME" - MINI-REVIEW
Robert Pattinson is a coiled cobra in this slick, sick meditation on showbiz and predators of all kinds. Terrific performances from Pattinson as “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen (tragicomically living in the shadow of Dateline NBC‘s Stone Phillips), the always excellent Merritt Weaver as his cold, calculating, undervalued producer, and especially Skyler Gisondo (truly, the heart of this mean movie) as a struggling actor who is getting his first major break by playing a minor.
Based on true events, the film is the first narrative feature film written and directed by documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim (who, with Nathan Fielder, also co-directed A24’s upcoming Elizabeth Holmes docudrama YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING). It boasts an aesthetic that recalls Michael Mann’s neon-noir MANHUNTER, and a satirical edge like that of NIGHTCRAWLER, as well as a bevy of supporting parts that are so inspired and too delicious to spoil. It won’t be for every taste, but for those who crave stories of drive, ambition, true crime, and “entertainment” at any cost, PRIMETIME fascinates, and satisfies.
PRIMETIME opens in theaters Friday, September 25.
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