Primetime: Lance Oppenheim's Social Commentary on Hollywood Desensitization
Film Review★ Emily Galeas ★ @emilygaleaswrites★ 3 Minutes
The year 2026 has been no stranger to new and different approaches to film. With films like ‘Backrooms’, ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘The Drama’ coming to mind immediately. Another highly anticipated film release comes in the form of a “biopic” surrounding NBC’s ‘To Catch A Predator’ host, Chris Hansen. Played by Robert Pattinson, this character is full of layer after disturbing layer, accompanied by his ‘Predator’ film crew that create the perfect storm.
In terms of a traditional biopic, this film throws everything out the window apart from government names. This film moreso fits the role of a thrilling social commentary than a story about specific individuals. Still, there are some truthful elements of the film that help build the commentary itself that are worth mentioning.
Primetime stillsThe film is shown through a TV screen within most of the shots, the others have a static element that makes you feel detached, or like what you are seeing is not real. This element itself is crucial to the movie, as its intention is to show you the disconnect between the issues being dealt with on ‘To Catch a Predator’, and the cast and crew. The film is intent on showcasing the desensitization and sensationalism that Hansen’s show displayed when making entertainment out of real world criminals.
The feedback with Hansen’s program was always mixed, there were those that thought that Hansen should be taking his show to more extreme measures, calling it “the Lord’s work”. However, others said that the program dulled down the seriousness of the issue at hand with comedy. While it is not universally believed that Hansen set out to positively platform child predators, some believe that the show was more of a hindrance than a help.
The film's title ‘Primetime’ also hints at the true intention behind the story. Rather than giving the film an intense and gripping title like ‘Predator’ (the ever-so affectionate nickname given to the program in the film), it was an intentional choice to title it ‘Primetime’. The main focus, and something that is persistently brought up throughout the film, is the fact that Hansen's program finally secured a spot on “primetime television”. After this event takes place in the film, the tone immediately shifts and the show becomes less about the predators, and more about being something that nobody could replicate. Hansen and his crew emphasize the need to go bigger, to catch the most shocking predator they can to maintain ratings and prove that they are worthy of their spot.
Primetime stillsThis clear shift is indicative of the intention behind the rest of the film, as well as real-world critics of ‘To Catch a Predator’. Without spoiling too much, the remainder of the film showcases how far people are willing to go, and what they are willing to do and say to maintain that “primetime” spot. You don’t know who people will betray, or who people will side with, and it truly leaves you with a pit in your stomach. This turning point is really where the “thriller” aspect is implemented.
It is also worth it to acknowledge Robert Pattinson's performance as Chris Hansen. Pattinson's ability to take on this real-life television personality, while also adding in uncanny elements to build up the thrill was truly remarkable. Pattinson continues to prove himself as a dedicated and versatile actor, especially throughout 2026. As it has been widely spoken in the media, there is no better person to accompany Oppenheim’s storytelling in this film than Pattinson.
While it is up for debate whether this movie was intended to expose Hansen and his team as a whole, or just to shed a light on the nasty nature of fame and desensitization, ‘Primetime’ is a wake-up call, and a cautionary tale of human nature. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat even when nothing is happening. ‘Primetime’ is unlike any biopic that we have seen before, and holds a very powerful and purposeful message.
