Primetime Film Screening
A new film about the making of a reality TV series that went horribly wrong is coming to Canterbury, starring Robert Pattinson as the host Chris Hansen. The film explores the darker side of true crime entertainment and the blurring of lines between justice and spectacle.
Dir: Lance Oppenheim
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Phoebe Bridgers, Victor Brunette, Bokeem Woodbine, Michael Chachere
110 mins · 2026 · United States of America · Cert 15 · English
IMDb 8.7/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 86% · Metacritic 75/100 · TMDB 6.8/10 · Trakt 71%
Awards: 1 nomination total
Robert Pattinson, known for his intense performances, stars as Chris Hansen, the host of the reality TV series To Catch a Predator, in the new film Primetime. The film, directed by Lance Oppenheim, is a psychological thriller that dramatizes the production of the series and the events that led to a fatal mistake.
The film is a drama and thriller, with a runtime of 110 minutes, and is rated 15. It has received positive reviews, with scores of 8.7/10 on IMDb, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 75/100 on Metacritic. The film has also been nominated for an award.
On Friday, 13 November 2026, the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury will be screening Primetime, along with a short student film called When Pigs Time Travel before the main feature. Tickets are with the button beside the article. The film's exploration of the intersection of justice and entertainment has sparked interesting discussions among viewers, with some praising its thought-provoking themes and others finding it unsettling and uncomfortable.
The film's reception has been marked by praise for its performances, cinematography, and direction, with many critics noting its ability to create a sense of unease and tension. The film's use of a stylized and heightened approach to storytelling has also been commented on, with some finding it effective in conveying the complexities of the true story it is based on.
Stills
What viewers say
MattisR3D · 8/10
Whoa…I’m honestly kind of lost for words. I expected a movie about To Catch a Predator, but this movie becomes this incredibly uncomfortable examination of justice vs. entertainment and what happens when catching horrible people becomes mixed with ratings, fame, ego, and spectacle. Robert Pattinson is fucking FANTASTIC as Chris Hansen, and the entire movie has this grimy, unsettling atmosphere that sometimes feels like horror. Definitely one I’m…
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fasterfilmcritic · 7/10
Primetime explores the uncomfortable intersection of justice, entertainment, and exploitation, and asks some interesting questions about ambition and morality. The aesthetic and mood are the film's strongest elements, but the scope of the story is wide and shallow. Robert Pattinson is excellent, and there is no shortage of uncomfortable conversations, yet themes this heavy should be explored with greater poignancy. Primetime is disturbing,…
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GodJester · 7/10
Exploring the hypocrisies and self-serving aspects of the people behind To Catch A Predator is a difficult if not impossible thing to do. Because no matter how deplorable their behavior or reasoning for their actions there will always be the argument that the ends justify the means. Maybe that’s the point and that’s what the film wants the audience to think about, I know I certainly will. Looking at this purely as a film it’s well acted, well…
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Rin J Tohsaka · 8/10
Big props to Lance Oppenheim and the cast including Robert Pattinson for making Primetime work. Do love the vibe the movie gives from something you watch on TV in 2000s. To be honest I still prefer David Osit documentary over Primetime if want to learn more about Chris Hansen show, which covers more things that Primetime didn’t.
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Zuze29 · 6/10
A24's Primetime was an interesting watch. It has so many elements to unpack, yet I can't confidently say I loved it as much as most. Robert Pattinson's performance as Chris Hansen was excellent, and by far the standout of the film. The cinematography and unique colour design kept you trapped in the uncanny and creepy true story brought to life. Across the board the cast sparked discomfort in the audience with their explicit dialogue and skilled…
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SunnyGabe · 7/10
Stunning performances and visual production. Really manages to transport you back to the early 2000s. Tense and genuinely unsettling, even horror-esque. The ending felt super abrupt and unfinished though, would have loved 15 minutes more to give it a more fitting conclusion.
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SkinnyFilmBuff · 8/10
The story and controversy behind Chris Hansen's famous/infamous show takes a back seat to character exploration. It's a successful approach thanks to Robert Pattinson's brilliantly unhinged performance. I also appreciated the more make-your-own-opinion style telling, avoiding the feeling of being force fed an opinion.
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Nan_ · 6/10
intéressant, interrogé notre zone grise morale ! j'en attendais plus je pense mais le film passe vite et est chouette
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