Primetime (2026)

Primetime

• I feel like every emotion has been drained from my body. Like, I felt like I just cried really hard, expelling everything, and now I’m just an empty husk. But I didn’t shed a single tear. All I did was sit and watch. I can’t name any other film where I didn’t cry, yet I left having felt that everything has been physically poured out of me through tears. My eyes and face feel so devoid of any emotion. So if that doesn’t set up the overall vibe of this film, then I don’t know what will. Let me also say this, which I also mentioned in my ‘Predators’ review. I’ve been a HUGE Chris Hansen fan since like middle school (or early high school?), and I’ve admired his work for years. TCAP, Hansen vs Predator, Have a Seat, Takedown….everything. I’ve seen it all. I’ve even been on his podcast (not as a guest, I submitted an audio question). Oh yeah, and he made me and my friend a Cameo. So yeah, I’m a huge fan. That being said, I was so insanely excited for this film, and to find out that Robert Pattinson, one of my favorite actors of all time, was playing Chris, I thought I was gonna bust. Come around to post-watch…..and it’s a masterpiece. I fear that most people missed the point of it. The story takes a dramatized approach about the production, making of, and behind the scenes of TCAP, with some bits of Hansen’s personal life. By the end, it shows how America takes even the most serious of situations, and tries its best to profit off of them, and use them solely for entertainment. The film doesn’t defend predators, and while it seems like it’s sympathizing with them, that’s not the case. Just like Dan Plum towards the end, you’re left asking, “Are these people trying to help, or are they just acting like they want to?” The messaging is a smack in the face, yet still somewhat subliminal. It’s a fantastic screenplay, and I think it did everything it needed to, especially considering the source material. The cast is freaking phenomenal from every person, with a powerful trio of Pattinson, Gisondo, and Wever. Some are saying it’s a career best from Pattinson….and I don’t disagree. It’s easily a top three performance for me, and he completely disappears in the role. Gisondo steals the spotlight in every second he’s on screen, and arguably, he’s the most crucial character of the film. Wever also commands every scene. The editing is among the best of the year, with quick cuts and retro vibes that make this feel more like a documentary or look into a kaleidoscope showing the past. That makes no sense, but it does. The cinematography is the best of the year, with grainy textures and VHS-quality shots that completely cement you in the time and setting. Lastly, the score…..my goodness, that score. Maybe my favorite of the year, as it combines a classic orchestra sound with tense, snappy sounds that are cinematic, yet still grounded. The music blends into each scene, but is also very noticeable (complimentary). Overall, this might be the best film of the year, and I hope that the Academy decides to notice it when awards season arrives. My gut says they won’t, but I promise you this will be taking home some Berry Awards. I would recommend it to all crime/thriller fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go see it now!