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Primetime (2026)


Primetime is directed by Lance Oppenheim, who is known for making some other pretentious movies, and unfortunately that reputation feels right at home here. The film offers an interesting look behind the scenes of a television production, but it spends far too much time trying to be artsy and meaningful instead of simply telling its story.

Robert Pattinson is easily the best part of the movie. His character is completely Chris Hansen in both voice and mannerisms, which makes his performance unintentionally hilarious at times. Even so, Pattinson fully commits to the role and gives the film some much needed personality. The biggest problem is that the movie never really wraps up his story, making all that investment in his character feel strangely incomplete.

Skyler Gisondo gets the unfortunate distinction of being the character we ultimately end on. His character feels like a self-insert, especially with how frequently he brings up the musical Rent. Instead of giving the ending the weight it seems to be reaching for, it makes the film feel even more indulgent.

Merritt Wever does a great job with what she is given. She is normally more of a supporting presence, but here she genuinely feels like the most important character behind Robert Pattinson, playing his producer. I remember Wever most vividly from Signs, where she played the clerk who would not stop admitting her sins to Mel Gibson's Father Hess. She brings a lot more presence here than I expected.

Overall, Primetime is a disappointing display of pretentiousness. There is a genuinely interesting movie buried underneath all of it, particularly in the behind the scenes look at how the show is made. Unfortunately, the random bits about India and an entire piece involving the National Enquirer feel like they are leading somewhere but ultimately go nowhere. Robert Pattinson gives the movie its strongest performance, but even his story gets an unsatisfying ending. There is something worthwhile here, but the film spends too much time trying to be clever for its own good. Result: C

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