Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Netflix | Release Date: May 3, 2019
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 127 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
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76
Mixed:
43
Negative:
8
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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.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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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.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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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...
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
TheChaser1985Jun 5, 2023
Amazing acting in this one. Good story telling. People said this was overacted? Hahah
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Ejdjski1234Jul 3, 2020
Other than the strange editing choices, this is a surprisingly good true story movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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, whichA 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.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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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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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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