PRIMETIME (2026)

September 24, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Lance Oppenheim (SOME KIND OF HEAVEN, 2020) and co-writers Luke Dittrich and Ajon Singh toss nearly two hours of psychology at us, leaving us to fend for ourselves on how best to define evil and acceptable boundaries of ethics and decency. It’s a bit of a mind twister that some may define as horror, while others cast it as satire. Regardless of your take, I found this to be a mesmerizing look at the things that make some people tick.

Robert Pattinson stars as Chris Hansen, whom you likely recall as the host of “To Catch a Predator”, a special offering which ran from 2004-08 on “Dateline NBC”. Hansen became renowned for his creepy voice and catchphrases, “Why don’t you have a seat” and “You see how this looks, right?” It wasn’t enough to catch the pedophiles … they needed to be humiliated on camera and then have the tape replayed on national television. Legalities caught up with show … entrapment being a topic, despite few having sympathy for those targeted. Those caught in compromising positions are shown here, but this film is ingenious in how it turns the camera on what was going on behind the scenes.

Pattinson captures a persona as Hansen that is difficult to describe, yet abnormal and a bit twisted is a start. The always great Merritt Weaver (CHRISTY, 2025) plays the show’s ambitious producer Andie Bender – one who would readily admit to not being cut out for rom-coms. She’s a master at manipulating a situation or person so that it makes her and the show look good. Proof of this is in how she handles “Decoy Dan” (a terrific Skyler Gisondo, SUPERMAN, 2025). Ambitious in his own right, Dan masters the innocent voice used to reel in the target, and does so for the purpose of obtaining his SAG card.

Yes, everyone is out for something here. Matthew Maher (THE BRIDE!, 2026) plays Xavier, the staffer charged with attracting the right kind with online banter. Xavier founded “Perverted Justice”, an organization committed to nailing pedophiles. The downfall of the show occurred with an incident in Murphy, Texas … shown here with Bokeem Woodbine as a strutting Texas sheriff, devoted to nailing ‘The Whale’ … an important local official. It’s the one target that Hansen never had the chance to confront with his own words.

The supporting cast in the film is deep and, in some cases, quite surprising. These actors include Phoebe Bridgers (musician), Anna Farris, Jessica Hecht, Jeff Zucker (former President of CNN), Jonathan Lipnicki (the kid from JERRY MCGUIRE), Alex Winter (BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE), Tony Revolori (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL), and Creed Bratton (“The Office”, The Grass Roots).

In addition to the cast, director Oppenheim has put the band back together (from SOME KIND OF HEAVEN, 2020). This includes cinematographer David Bolen whose lighting and camera work deliver a unique atmosphere, composer Ari Balouzian whose musical notes match the feeling, and editor Daniel Garber who fits the pieces together in a way that the “Yuck” factor never overwhelms. The psychological aspects mentioned earlier are on full display throughout, and best of luck maintaining your own sanity as you attempt to figure out if any of these folks are ‘good’ or if that bar is simply unachievable.

Opens in theaters on September 25, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

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Posted by David Ferguson

TERRI

July 21, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Indie films are at a disadvantage on many fronts, not the least of which is budget. That usually limits the indie scene to personal, poignant stories of relationships and self-discovery. Quirky, yet believable characters are often the difference between ho-hum and worth-seeing. Writer Patrick Dewitt and Director Azazel Jacobs definitely provide some curious characters of interest in this Official Selection of Sundance Film Festival.

Jacob Wysocki portrays Terri, an overweight outcast who is often humiliated and bullied at high school. Terri seems to have given up on ever fitting in. The proof is in the pajamas that he has begun wearing to class every day. But as usual with “troubled” teens, there is more to the story. We see his home life which consists of constant care for his Uncle James, who is apparently suffering from dementia. We get no backstory on the missing parents, but it’s clear that Terri’s responsibility at home outweigh his concerns for a missing social life at school.

 Enter Assistant Principal, Mr. Fitgerald. Played by John C Reilly, Mr. Fitzgerald takes a special interest in the ‘monsters and misfits’. The reason is pretty obvious … he was one himself. His goal, rather his life’s calling, is to encourage these kids to understand that life gets better and that NO ONE really has it figured out. We are just doing the best we can.  Even this well-intentioned man struggles to maintain his relationship with his wife.

 Terri’s world collides with a couple other students. Chad (Bridger Sadina) is so angry at the world that he pulls his hair right out from his scalp – and is quick with a cutting remark, though he clearly just seeks attention and love. Heather (Olivia Crociacchia) is saved from expulsion after a very generous move by Terri. Her world of popularity comes crashing down, but Terri is the presence that gets her through. Watching these characters interact with Mr. Fitzgerald emphasizes how much we all need someone to care … someone to believe in us.

 The film moves at a pace realistic to life. That means it is very slow compared to most movies. The characters are allowed to develop, as are most of the scenes. Jacob Wysocki’s performance can be compared to Gabourey Sidibe in Precious. They are large youngsters who don’t use their size to comedic effect. Instead, they both display humanity and real emotions in a less-than-perfect world.  Uncle James is played very well by Creed Bratton (“The Office”).  If you aren’t familiar with Mr. Bratton, he is not only a fine actor, but also was a member of the late 60’s/early 70’s band The Grass Roots.  He continues to compose music to this day.

Certainly not a movie for everyone, but if you enjoy intimate stories about people just trying to get through life … no special effects, explosions or asinine punchlines … then Terri is worth a look.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you enjoy attention to detail afforded by indie film story-telling OR you are intrigued by the similarities to Precious (only not as harsh or intense)

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF:  you believe summer time movies should be light-hearted and filled with crashes, booms and robots/superheroes

Watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson