The Robert Pattinson-A24 love affair continues this week with the release of Primetime, a film based on NBC’s former famed TV show To Catch A Predator. Pattinson plays an obsessive Chris Hansen in 2006 as the show moves into the primetime slot at NBC to take on heavyweights of the time like Lost.
Once you see the film, you’ll see exactly why the real Chris Hansen doesn’t support it. The film portrays him in a light that you could say was… unsatisfactory. The wildly popular host was pegged as a hero by many, but outside the show, he’s portrayed as obsessive, egotistical, and unfaithful.
After A24’s The Drama, Pattinson returns for what’s been an off-the-wall year for the talented actor. He’s already had two knockout movies this year (The Drama, The Odyssey) and is sure to score a big win with Primetime. After this, he’ll end the year with yet another mega-film with the December release of Dune: Part Three. Playing the role of Hansen, he takes on a daring attempt to bring down a big-name predator who has connections to the highest levels of government. Against the wishes of his producer, Andie (Merritt Wever), he brashly and unexpectedly “bets the house” on a hunch that this will be the takedown to push the show to the next level.
Pattinson, Wever, and Skyler Gisondo (Decoy Dan) were simply prolific. As Hanson’s world around him begins to crumble due to his self-absorbed decision-making, this Texas takedown quickly becomes his top priority. And if these three actors didn’t keep you on your toes in suspense or laughing comically, then Bokeem Woodbine, portraying a Texas-sized sheriff, will.
Primetime gets a 9 out of 10. The cast was phenomenal, and the suspense was addictive. The film is a big win for all involved, including director Lance Oppenheim. Do not wait to stream this. Primetime is the type of film that deserves big-screen treatment. Slowly but surely, Robert Pattinson is lining up to become one of the greatest actors of our generation. And that’s coming from a guy who loathed the Twilight films and side-eyed The Batman. You’ve seen enough Chris Hansen references (my favorite being the one from The Boondocks); now see how his larger-than-life takedowns unfolded.
Primetime premieres in theaters on Friday, Sept. 25.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of A24
Genre: Drama/True Crime/Biography
Rating: R
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: September 25, 2026