"Primetime" REVIEW

Published on 9/27/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Directed by: Lance Oppenheim 

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Syler Gisondo, Merritt Wever, Phoebe Bridgers, Bokeem Woodbine, etc. 

Plot: In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history. 

REVIEW 

"Primetime" is a much-needed, much-anticipated creative examination of the continuously popular trend of predator-hunting in media and a look into the iconic show "To Catch a Predator" and its host Chris Hansen—both of which, particularly with Gen Z audiences, have a resurgence in popularity. Heck, the memes that came out of this film's trailers were an instant hit. I for one think it's neat that an artistically bold and original A24 dramatic thriller about a TV show host who hadn't been relevant for over ten years has made its mark in 2026 pop culture—certainly with the help of the phenomenon level popularity of its starring actor Robert Pattinson who's been on a generational run of successful projects this year. Pretty much everyone that I know around my age and talk about movies with have been excited for this film and plan to see it in theaters. This film arrives on the scene in a timely manner, a manner in which I'm sure is part of the reason Lance Oppenheim and writer Ajon Singh wanted to conceive this film in the first place. Visceral, dark, and stylish, you'll find your engagement with this film first and foremost through its stunning visuals and then with its meditative descent into the complicated act of catching these predators. Especially over the past two years or so, there's been a trend on social media of folks (young men and teenagers, primarily) taking predator/pedophile catching into their own hands—often meeting at grocery stores or gas stations and using violence against them. Almost no one is going to argue that protecting children is a bad thing; no matter what side of the aisle you're on, it's an agreed-upon thing—especially in the times we're living in as cycles of pedophilia are being revealed after decades and have become a major political/cultural talking point of the 2020s. Yet, I know I'm not alone in thinking that the way in which people find enjoyment out of seeing self appointed Gen Z vigilantes beat the shit out of predators, most of which are clearly intellectually disabled, feels off. It feels self-validating the way in which people revel in seeing mentally disabled people brutalized for the sake of pure entertainment and engagement, disguised by a self-righteous moral compass that comes across as entirely performative. I can't even write that without worrying that some might think that I'm sick and defending predatory behavior; that's terribly ridiculous yet a trap so easy to fall into the black-and-white minded mentality that as humans we all are programmed with—a testament to the morally grey, complicated areas that very much fascinate me. Tracing back to the trend's poster child and pioneer Chris Hansen, "Primetime" is a film that lies in the gray areas that those only wanting to be entertained or feel validated want to ignore. This is a film that wants you to take the time to think about these complexities, an immediately difficult thing to do and something in which it's already being attacked for by many. Do I wish that some of its messages were told with more of a focused, steady hand? Sure, but this isn't an exactly a focused and steady film. This film understands that subject matter, themes, and characters it's tackling are far from simple or easy to digest—a major factor as to why the approach and style of the film is so cold in its blend of unease and humor. I applaud this film for taking the risk of delving into a subject that's so grey and doing so with an original, madness-soaked cinematic voice. This is an uneasy, uncertain film that's all the same incredibly confident in how it carries itself—stunning in its visual spectacle, championing bold performances, unconventional in its ethics-centric script, and held together by the unique cinematic grasp of filmmaker Lance Oppenheim. On top of all that, the film is somehow accessible and audience-friendly in way that's kind of a miracle. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• Robert Pattinson's performance. Between his co-leading turn alongside Zendaya in "The Drama" and his antagonistic supporting role in "The Odyssey", Robert Pattinson is having the landmark year of his increasingly applauded career. We're still yet to see his performance in "Dune: Part Three" later this year as well. Pattinson has gone from the teenage heartthrob from "Twilight" to one of the most popular and respected actors of his generation whose range and choice in projects/roles he's been more than willing to fully display. He's an actor that's on a trajectory that'll bring Academy Award to his hands in ten years or less, you can mark my words on that prediction. Pattinson's performance in "Primetime" will be talked about for a long time. He waddles the fine line between caricature and character study, nailing the mannerisms and voice of Chris Hansen in a way that's so good it excellently serves the twisted approach of the portrayal's shades and allows for many laughs. This is a fascinating performance. 

• The cinematography. Incredible work. The framing and composition of almost every shot feels distinct; the saturated lighting that seems to soak in every single color on screen in a way that's hazy and nightmarish—it's all so striking. 

• Merritt Wever's performance. If you don't recognize the name instantly, you'd likely recognize the face. Wever is an esteemed, three-time-Emmy-winning character actress you've likely seen many times in film or television. This has got to be one of the most standout, most compelling roles of her prestigious career. In this role as "To Catch a Predator" producer Andie Bender she's somehow warm, menacing, funny, and commanding all at the same time. There are so many moments throughout the film that had me smiling simply based on how much I was enjoying the choices she was making with her performance. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• The film is trying to take on so much ethically and thematically that sometimes its feels unfocused. 

RATING

8/10

You should definitely watch it, buddy!