‘Primetime’ Review: Robert Pattinson Shines in a Dangerous and Dark Fever Dream

In the world of primetime television, audience thrill is the fundamental target. From live sporting events and reality competition shows to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, that 9 PM slot on broadcast television is the peak hour when everyone comes together to become completely immersed in stories that can dominate conversations long after the credits roll. For NBC in 2004, that infamous show was To Catch A Predator.

The series was a Dateline NBC segment where host Chris Hansen and watchdog group Perverted Justice used decoys posing as underage minors to lure adult men to sting houses after they allegedly initiated conversations about sexual encounters. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, Primetime bravely dramatizes the behind-the-scenes story of making To Catch A Predator, while slowly unravelling the harrowing reasons behind the show’s ultimate cancellation. 

‘Primetime’ Is a Chilling and Unhinged Exploration Through the Eerie Times of TV

What made Primetime so captivating is Lance Oppenheim‘s direction. Although he’s best known for his documentary work, Oppenheim brings that same sense of immediacy and closeness to the film, creating a continuous, fast-moving momentum that keeps you in chilling suspense the whole time. There’s an almost broadcast-like urgency to the way Primetime moves, particularly in scenes where the segment itself is being filmed. Oppenheim boldly captures the unpredictability of producing a reality television show, making the film’s unhinged tension feel even more immediate as the situation escalates. 

Moreover, the film grabs your attention from the outset by opening on its unsettling environment before gradually pulling you into its increasingly erratic world. However, Primetime loses some of its momentum around the middle, as the story shifts into Chris Hansen’s personal life. As much as the film adapts Hansen’s story, it struggles to balance the show’s production with the developments that shape who Hansen is. Nonetheless, Primetime never loses its grip as it builds towards the final stretch that is both devastating and thrilling. 

The cinematography also plays a major role in bringing these narrative elements to life. Through its lighting and colour palette, the film’s visuals perfectly capture the atmosphere of the mid-2000s, giving it a look that’s both nostalgic and unsettling. This choice gives Primetime a distinct identity that’s separate from other stories that revisit the same era. 

Robert Pattinson Delivers a Career-Best Performance As Chris Hansen

In his third major film of 2026, Robert Pattinson delivers one of his best performances to date. Pattinson completely and convincingly disappears as Chris Hansen and never misses a beat in Hansen’s “acting for television” persona. He rewards viewers by satisfyingly navigating the divide between the composed television personality viewers recognize and the actual eerie, egocentric, and rating-obsessed man behind it all. Pattinson most especially excels in the film’s final moments, as everything begins to slowly fall apart for Hansen and the show. 

Merritt Wever is an incredible force of nature as Predator producer Andie Bender. She captures the relentless commitment of a television producer who constantly pushes everyone around her to keep production moving, engage viewers at home, and deliver something that satisfies the network that’s airing the show. 

Alongside Pattinson and Wever is Skyler Gisondo, who effortlessly steals scenes as the deeply sympathetic decoy Dan Plumb, who’s caught in the crossfire. There’s a mature vulnerability to Gisondo’s performance that makes his character easy to sympathize with, especially as Dan pushes himself beyond his limits in hopes of becoming a legitimate, respected actor in the entertainment industry. 

The rest of the supporting cast is equally compelling, particularly Phoebe Bridgers in her feature-film debut. Bridgers fits naturally within the film’s uneasy tone, proving to be an inspired casting choice despite her limited screen time. For a film that explores a deeply disturbing side of television, the cast of Primetime pulls it off exceptionally and keeps the film engaging the whole time, much like its direction and momentum. 

‘Primetime’ Channels the Intoxicating Ride That Is Broadcast Television

In an industry where the pursuit of must-see television can quickly become all-consuming, Primetime understands the pressure of staying at the top of your game even when things are unravelling behind the camera. It’s a thrilling reminder that sometimes the most compelling (and disturbing) pieces of television come at a cost, and it makes everyone involved question how far they will go towards getting the biggest ratings yet. With stunning cinematography, gripping performances, and captivating direction, Primetime is A24’s newest thriller that will leave your skin crawling till the very end. 

Primetime opens exclusively in theatres everywhere on September 25. Stay tuned to Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.