Netflix | Release Date: May 3, 2019
6.8
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Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings
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5
eagleeyevikingMay 4, 2019
While it is engaging, "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" doesn't know what it wants to be. While it aims to provide a fresh perspective of Ted Bundy by filming the biopic through the perspective of Elizabeth "Liz" Kendall, the filmWhile it is engaging, "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile" doesn't know what it wants to be. While it aims to provide a fresh perspective of Ted Bundy by filming the biopic through the perspective of Elizabeth "Liz" Kendall, the film abandons this approach most of the time to recreate big events that we already know without going deep into the psychology of Ted Bundy or Liz. Despite these flaws, Zac Efron is absolutely phenomenal as the serial killer. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
Rebecca31May 5, 2019
The rising obsession with true crime stories continues, now in the form of a movie starring none other than Zac Efron as the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is told from the point of view of Ted’sThe rising obsession with true crime stories continues, now in the form of a movie starring none other than Zac Efron as the infamous serial killer Ted Bundy. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is told from the point of view of Ted’s long term girlfriend Liz Kendall (Lily Collins). You’ve seen the documentary and maybe you even read one of the many books on America’s most notorious serial killer. Well I have anyway so I had a certain expectation for Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and other than the title being unnecessarily long (it’s a direct quote from the judge but honestly it would have been easier to just call it Bundy) I felt this told the story in the best way possible.

It’s no secret that I would not have rated Efron much as an actor, The Greatest Showman and High School Musical was enough for me to steer clear of his movies so when he was initially cast as Bundy I had more than a few doubts. Yet when the set photos started emerging I felt hey not only does he look the part but he might just surprise us all and that’s exactly what happened. Bundy was a monster and Efron became that monster before our very eyes, his performance is so accurate it’s scary. I forgot I was even watching Zac Efron to be honest so Zac I’m sorry I doubted your acting abilities, I was wrong. He has received a bit of grief for taking on this role but the real Ted Bundy was charismatic, a charmer and well liked guy. So many people, particularly women just couldn’t imagine him committing these horrific crimes because you expect a killer to look like a killer, you imagine a monster and to a lot of people Bundy didn’t fit. Efron does bare an uncanny resemblance to Bundy and he went all in, and I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision to take on this role, most actors wouldn’t be rushing out to play a role like this. Credit where it’s due, his portrayal of Bundy is chilling.

It would have been very easy for this film to fall into the trap of a typical serial killer movie, but it doesn’t. In fact there’s very little graphic violence, there’s references particularly during the court case but we’re not seeing it which was the right decision. The crimes themselves are enough to give anyone nightmares and seeing it on the big screen would be insensitive to all his victims. I don’t feel Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile could have been told any better than this. It follows Liz, when she first meets Ted, falls in love with him, and becomes caught up and blindsided by his lies. We only start to learn the details of his crimes as she learns them. Though considering a lot of this is condensed for a film length if you’re looking for something with more content then the documentary might be more suited to your tastes, that is if you haven’t watched it already. Recommended for all you true crime fans out there.
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2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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1
zimmertosser69May 9, 2019
Extremely boring, bland and overacted. Joe did a great job on detailing Bundy in his documentary film, but failed miserably in this drab Lifetime PG rated mess. Wasted talent with some great actors as he hammers home Bundy's manipulation ofExtremely boring, bland and overacted. Joe did a great job on detailing Bundy in his documentary film, but failed miserably in this drab Lifetime PG rated mess. Wasted talent with some great actors as he hammers home Bundy's manipulation of the legal system. The acting is stiffer than the victims and although you don't need graphic violence to drive the point home, this piece of garbage isn't worth wasting your time on. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
TalulaGreyMay 3, 2019
I enjoyed this one and was surprised at how good Zac Efron is as Ted Bundy. Lily Collins plays his longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall and I read somewhere that this film is based on Liz Kendall's book, The Phantom Prince: My Life With TedI enjoyed this one and was surprised at how good Zac Efron is as Ted Bundy. Lily Collins plays his longtime girlfriend, Liz Kendall and I read somewhere that this film is based on Liz Kendall's book, The Phantom Prince: My Life With Ted Bundy.

The film does not show Ted dismembering his many victims so it is not a sensational chop-o-matic bludgeon fest. It's more of a story showing everyone just how 'normal' he appeared to be when he wasn't out killing women. We are shown how he was with Liz and her daughter. We are shown how he denies everything that is said about him. It's chilling because he's so charming and convincing, and he's using all of that to try and get free.

Anyway, if you are looking for blood and gore this is not the film for you. If you are looking for an explanation as to why he is the way he is, you won't get it. This story is from Liz's perspective and how it took a toll on her life.

Production values are right up there and I recommend this film.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
TryASummersaultMay 5, 2019
5.8/10 Essentially a watered down glossier version of the Bundy story mostly focused on his womanizing and massive ego, and not on his actually wicked acts. The potential was blown completely with this Bundy story. It's shot well, and acted5.8/10 Essentially a watered down glossier version of the Bundy story mostly focused on his womanizing and massive ego, and not on his actually wicked acts. The potential was blown completely with this Bundy story. It's shot well, and acted mostly standard but Efron is not convincing at all in the slightest as Bundy. He does not embody the actual Ted Bundy in any aspect other than the looks. He could've at least tried to adopt Ted's dialect or personality traits in the portrayal. The soundtrack is obnoxious and the editing is way too rushed. The ending is actually very well done as they actually touch on one of his murders, but when thats the only actually wicked scene for the entire film its underwhelming. You're better off watching Berlinger's other Ted Bundy production which was excellent; The Ted Bundy Tapes. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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0
imthenoobMay 10, 2019
For a film that was supposed to give us the girlfriend's side of the story and how she dealt with it, We weren't given anything new or insightful. Everything featured is already very common knowledge and that is pretty disappointing. There isFor a film that was supposed to give us the girlfriend's side of the story and how she dealt with it, We weren't given anything new or insightful. Everything featured is already very common knowledge and that is pretty disappointing. There is such an extreme emotional disconnect as well, I didn't sympathize with his girlfriend at all and felt that we weren't shown enough of her struggles as events unfolded. Instead, She was reduced to a side character while Ted, naturally, was put front and centre. Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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8
marcmyworksMay 5, 2019
This is an interesting film as the narrative feels very much on the side of Ted Bundy, that he was a victim of the justice system. The truth of the matter is he is a monster whose charm killed dozens of women. Zac Efron plays this complexThis is an interesting film as the narrative feels very much on the side of Ted Bundy, that he was a victim of the justice system. The truth of the matter is he is a monster whose charm killed dozens of women. Zac Efron plays this complex character wonderfully, though at times the film suffers from the over dramatization of the true events. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
bfoore90May 7, 2019
An unsettling film, led by a shockingly wicked portrayal of Ted Bundy by Zac Efron. The thing i liked most about this movie is that it didn't try to humanize Bundy in anyway, Bundy was a monster, a sadistic, evil monster and a charmingAn unsettling film, led by a shockingly wicked portrayal of Ted Bundy by Zac Efron. The thing i liked most about this movie is that it didn't try to humanize Bundy in anyway, Bundy was a monster, a sadistic, evil monster and a charming monster at that. To me, theres nothing to humanize about that. While it does show Bundy as something of a caring father, it mostly shows that in a way to show the love that existed between him and his girlfriend. The other thing i enjoyed, was the portrayal of his girlfriend (Lily Collins) and the effect that Bundy had on her life, even when he was behind bars. Overall, this movie does a good job at attempting to tell the story of Ted Bundy and its another win for Netflix. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
AlisferperMay 21, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excelent film and actors. Zac Efron, well done. This guy really can act. An Oscar for him! Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
mrmonsterMay 10, 2019
The fact that this movie is getting such average reviews from critics astounds me. This movie combines phenomenal acting, great pacing, and an overall solid direction to give us a really great biopic. I highly recommend this movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
HjallieMay 27, 2019
Expected something more from this movie, wasn't all bad but could have been better. Maybe it's just the story viewpoint that is not so entertaining...
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8
TheChaser1985Jun 5, 2023
Amazing acting in this one. Good story telling. People said this was overacted? Hahah
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8
3ebfan511May 16, 2019
The film tells the story of a known serial killer...mostly from his "masked" public persona. Is it possible a killer can delude themselves into thinking they did nothing wrong ? Or to simply not think about such things in order to blend inThe film tells the story of a known serial killer...mostly from his "masked" public persona. Is it possible a killer can delude themselves into thinking they did nothing wrong ? Or to simply not think about such things in order to blend in with people ? It is interesting that the film does something no other film has done quite in that way, and Effron is surprisingly decent as the facade of Bundy. The only bad thing is that the film doesn't really explore the "dark side" of Bundy's inner workings - but that's the point. Perhaps a killer can decompartmentalize their killing, and feel "normal" the rest of the time. Bundy was certainly one of the best at blending in, so if it applies to any killer, it would most aptly apply to him. Expand
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6
RalfbergsNov 3, 2019
It was good movie based on real actual things, but I expected it more focus on the Ten Bundy, but this is more about (in my opinion) his wife's struggles and how many women didn't believe what he is at first. What I disliked is that theyIt was good movie based on real actual things, but I expected it more focus on the Ten Bundy, but this is more about (in my opinion) his wife's struggles and how many women didn't believe what he is at first. What I disliked is that they focused more on that but almost didn't show the harsh side of what happened and all the bad things Bundy did, and felt a bit mellowed down on that. Expand
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7
Trineo99May 3, 2019
First of all, I just want to mention why this film is really confusing in my opinion and that’s because of the chunky editing. What I mean by that is that it would jump awkwardly from one scene to the next and it wouldn’t flow properly. RightFirst of all, I just want to mention why this film is really confusing in my opinion and that’s because of the chunky editing. What I mean by that is that it would jump awkwardly from one scene to the next and it wouldn’t flow properly. Right off the bat, you see this in literally the first minutes of the film. Due to the confusing editing, it makes it hard to understand what has just happened in the film. This does feel like two films were put together to make one film and I actually enjoyed it. The first part is just showing how he’s an everyday man and then in the second half is the trail. This film needs that first part because if it didn’t we wouldn’t believe how people are saying he’s too nice of a guy to do something like this. Some people may think that the first part is unnecessary because it makes him seem like the victim in this whole situation but really it is and for that reason. The second part I found the most interesting though. The whole seeing the trail take place and how he tries to prove his innocence is really intriguing to watch especially as somebody who knows the basic facts about this case. The acting in this film was really well done as well. Zac Efron as Ted Bundy was an excellent choice, even though I do wish they got somebody who looked more like him because he brings off the charm to this role and seeing how Ted Bundy was supposed to be a charmer this was perfect casting. Lily Collins as Elizabeth was great as well and just for her performance is worth a watch of this movie. In the end, Extremely Wicked, Surprisingly Evil and Vile is a good biopic to watch with an interesting true crime case to look into. I give Extremely Wicked, Surprisingly Evil and Vile a 7.5/10. Expand
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7
Ejdjski1234Jul 3, 2020
Other than the strange editing choices, this is a surprisingly good true story movie
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10
DeanomiteJan 11, 2020
i saw this a few months ago and had to come back to write a review because it just stuck with me. Zac Effron did an amazing job as Ted Bundy, he was very charming, i would have liked to see him take on more of the crazy creepy side, buti saw this a few months ago and had to come back to write a review because it just stuck with me. Zac Effron did an amazing job as Ted Bundy, he was very charming, i would have liked to see him take on more of the crazy creepy side, but aside from that, between his portrayal and the incredible story, it was very good. Unbelievable is a better word, until the end when they show actual footage of Bundy acting as his own lawyer (he almost won the case for himself, except the evidence was so strong). Expand
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4
JLuis_001May 16, 2019
An incredibly limited fim that cannot even be at the height of the title that carries and whose only real redeeming factor is the surprise that Zac Efron turns out to be, who really consolidate his work and yet the film never seems to be sureAn incredibly limited fim that cannot even be at the height of the title that carries and whose only real redeeming factor is the surprise that Zac Efron turns out to be, who really consolidate his work and yet the film never seems to be sure how to exploit him 100%

There was material for something much more interesting here and sadly it will ended up as a very forgettable piece.
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5
GrantD243May 12, 2019
Eh, this film provides nothing new, especially if you watched the docuseries on Bundy. It's well acted, but that's really about it.
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10
Luka1998010Aug 31, 2019
A great movie which in good detail describes the monster, which was Ted Bundy.

Efron really got into the role and showed the audience how the murderer`s behavior changes as time passes. Lots of emotions were described in the movie, which
A great movie which in good detail describes the monster, which was Ted Bundy.

Efron really got into the role and showed the audience how the murderer`s behavior changes as time passes. Lots of emotions were described in the movie, which follow the path to Bundy`s death until the very end.
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8
NoahboyJul 13, 2019
Extremely Wicked, Shocking Evil and Vile (2019): Although there are plenty of narrative missteps, the production design is a bit generic, and the script is far from perfect, Zac Efron gives a spectacular and somehow likeable performance inExtremely Wicked, Shocking Evil and Vile (2019): Although there are plenty of narrative missteps, the production design is a bit generic, and the script is far from perfect, Zac Efron gives a spectacular and somehow likeable performance in this chilling, impeccably directed film. Expand
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6
Bertaut1Jul 21, 2019
An interesting approach to the story, but the tone is poorly managed

Directed by Joe Berlinger immediately after he completed work on Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is worth
An interesting approach to the story, but the tone is poorly managed

Directed by Joe Berlinger immediately after he completed work on Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is worth seeing for Zac Efron's performance if nothing else, but is a strangely muted affair. Telling the story of Bundy from the perspective of a woman who was oblivious to his true nature is an interesting narrative choice, and had Berlinger stuck to this format, it could have made for a fascinating film. However, what begins as an intriguing insider's look at living with a killer shifts into an underwhelming courtroom drama, only returning to its original tone in the final (fictional) scene.

The film begins in 1969, the night Bundy (Efron) and Liz Kendall (Lily Collins) first met in a Seattle bar, with the duo quickly falling in love. However, six years later, when he is stopped in Utah for a minor traffic violation, he finds himself accused of a series of murders across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. Meanwhile, it becomes harder and harder for Liz to deny there's more to her boyfriend than she ever imagined.

Very loosely based on Liz Kloepfer's memoir, The Phantom Prince: My Life With Ted Bundy (1981), and written by Michael Werwie, one of the biggest appeals of the movie is the casting of Zac Efron as Bundy. And it has to be said, he's excellent. Especially if you watch the film after the docu-series, you'll pick up on the depth of the performance; his every movement and gesture, the way he smiles, the way he stands, the tone of his voice, everything is perfect.

One of the film's most notable components is that, apart from one brief scene near the end, there is no depiction of violence, attempting to present Bundy not with the 20/20 hindsight of history, but with the same degree of ambiguity with which Liz would have viewed him. Instead of the nature of his crimes, Berlinger focuses, at least in the first half, on how a killer can lie and manipulate, coming across as completely normal to all who know him. Berlinger has said that the film is about the mechanics of how a person can be "seduced by someone capable of evil", and it was his intention that the audience actually like Bundy – just like Liz, he wanted them to be seduced by evil.

However, the film has a lot of problems. For one thing, because it depicts Bundy not as we now know him but as his contemporaries saw him, it means we only see the performative side, never the monstrous underbelly. Sure, this means that the film avoids exploitation, but in doing so, it could be accused of sanitisation, as the film's Bundy is a lovable rogue who bites his thumb at the system, not a murderer, a man who raped and butchered a 12-year-old child.

I understand that Berlinger wants to depict how Liz could have been blinded by devotion to a man that she thought (correctly, as it turned out) was too good to be true. But the problem is that she herself is never characterised enough for this to work; everything we learn about her is predicated on her relationship with him - there's nothing about her life prior to meeting him, for example. Additionally, the focus shift as the film transitions from Liz as subjective focaliser to a more objectively focalised courtroom drama makes very little tonal sense. It's almost as if Berlinger loses interest in Liz when the sensationalist trial begins. This transition reduces Liz to a cycle of watching the trial, crying, doubting his guilt, and drinking, as she's effectively stripped of what little agency she had in the first half.

Another problem is that we learn nothing new about Bundy himself; there's nothing about his childhood, for example, or how he got away with the murders for so long, whether he really loved Liz, or if he genuinely lacked the ability to feel empathy. Along the same lines, we learn nothing about the victims. This was also a problem in the docu-series, but it's far more pronounced here, and because of this, the decision to put the names of his known victims on screen at the end of film is unearned, crass, and meaningless.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is by no means a bad film. But it could have been so much better. It initially looks at how evil can hide in plain view, creeping into our lives under the guise of normalcy, but Berlinger allows this theme to recede into the background as he hands the narrative over to Bundy. If this was supposed to be Liz's story, Berlinger takes his eye off the ball badly. And although the film certainly doesn't sympathise with him, and although the decision not to show any of the murders is commendable, the fact is that, yet again, Ted Bundy has become very much the star of his own show.
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6
MrScallopsJul 3, 2019
Zac Efron makes the performance of his career in a film that struggles to find its own identity and never reaches its full potential.
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5
afairreviewerMay 15, 2019
It was one of those movies that you know is kind of boring while watching, but you've invested too much interest to turn away. Ted Bundy alone is an interesting character so there's that. There is no part of the movie that lives up to theIt was one of those movies that you know is kind of boring while watching, but you've invested too much interest to turn away. Ted Bundy alone is an interesting character so there's that. There is no part of the movie that lives up to the title other than a very brief exchange between Ted and Liz at the very end. Unless the title bears the "irony" of such a wicked, evil and vile person not seeming to be any of those things on the outside. I don't like irony so there's my personal bias. It's not clear what the were going for as far as story-telling, but it was entirely too careful with getting into these "wicked and vile" crimes - it seems they were trying to keep as much of his actual crimes out of the film as possible, but most people familiar with Ted Bundy are probably anticipating a good deal of those gruesome details in a film about him. Maybe they were avoiding depicting the "murder porn" that Ted himself claims influenced his actions, if I'm to give the benefit of the doubt. Truthfully I just think they were trying to make the film palatable (boring) to all audiences. With all of its failures, I can say that Zac Efron carried the entire film with an excellent performance of a man who staunchly denied and deflected from his heinous crimes until the very end, pretending to be truly innocent and flabbergasted at the accusations of what he clearly and prolifically had done, and was able to pull so many in on his side through his charm and humor, even the judge who sent him to death with what seemed like sympathy on Ted's behalf. If this is how it all transpired, even I'm kind of surprised that he got the death penalty. Good on that particular Florida jury for finding him guilty. But I digress, Zac Efron's performance really overpowered everyone else and he was interesting to watch if anything. He's certainly proven himself to have range as an actor and I hope to see more. Expand
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9
kayaleeroseMay 16, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best movies i’ve seen. Zac efron did such a good job portraying this man it is crazy. Really shows you how to trust and how not to. I highly recommend. Unless you are an emotional person. All though it does leave out details about this man ted bundy I would say it is still extremely good. Expand
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7
ManzanettiJul 17, 2019
Solid performance by Efron as Ted Bundy. The movie offers an alternative portrayal, exploring Bundy's run from a refreshing point of view.
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9
paulhuntertenorJul 21, 2019
I knew very little about the Ted Bundy case prior to watching this film, and what I saw shook me up a little bit. Many of the lower reviews on here are due to the movie's fundamental premise: it's the Ted Bundy story but told through the eyesI knew very little about the Ted Bundy case prior to watching this film, and what I saw shook me up a little bit. Many of the lower reviews on here are due to the movie's fundamental premise: it's the Ted Bundy story but told through the eyes of Elizabeth. Bundy, played charmingly by Efron, is still the main character. What this film is not is a gore fest to make Ted Bundy even more despicable. As an objective piece of filmmaking, regardless off one's opinions on the situation, this movie is well done. Within a mere 15 minutes, I didn't even see Zac Efron anymore. I didn't necessarily see Ted Bundy, either, but I did see a very charming and manipulative person. Upon finishing the movie, I briefly looked up a "fact check" to see how much the movie exaggerated, and it (allegedly) has no embellished details except for the window fog-writing. I found this film hard to watch, because Efron is genuinely charming and convincing in his adamant indignation. After watching the real Ted Bundy trial footage, Efron doesn't wholly capture the uncanny "off-ness" of the real man. Something about seeing and hearing the actual Bundy feels untrustworthy; Efron's character is a little too convincing in his proclaimed innocence. As the story is told from the biased perspective of an ex-fiancée, this makes sense, and it proves disturbing. Part of us always wants to believe the conspiracy, fight back against logic and reason, and this film exploits that dark urge to the audience's discomfort. Overall, I think the movie deserves a high rating because it's well executed, but I don't quite know if I recommend it. Bravo... now I need to go watch cat videos... Expand
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10
miafayeNov 17, 2019
i loved this movie and i watched it 3 times because the acting was amazing. the casting for Zac efron was spot on and i think he did a great job as well as the rest of the cast, i hope he does more movies like this!
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10
MynamebelevonFeb 8, 2020
It's a very detailed accurate and intriguing move highly recommend. Perfect for a rainy night with your GF or BF
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3
lfspanJul 24, 2020
Very little perspective from the girlfriend of Bundy, who had very few lines, and no new perspectives on the character of Bundy. Efron, at best, occasionally portrays a character in the grips of a manic episode, but the movie totally fails toVery little perspective from the girlfriend of Bundy, who had very few lines, and no new perspectives on the character of Bundy. Efron, at best, occasionally portrays a character in the grips of a manic episode, but the movie totally fails to convey anything extremely wicked, shockingly evil, or vile about the character which ultimately should have made Liz's perspective a compelling and complex experience. Expand
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7
geewahJan 7, 2021
A different take on the serial killer genre. To have the story told predominately from the unsuspecting wife's view is interesting and works to some extent.
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