DIRECTOR
Lance Oppenheim
You Can See Everything, Spermworld, Some Kind of Heaven

STARS
Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo and Phoebe Bridgers

Despite revitalising the iconic Dateline NBC, Primetime feels brand new through its daring camera work, exciting soundtrack, and retro psychedelic visuals. Low-angle shots, warm lighting and wormhole-inspired visuals create an immersive, almost trance-like experience, creating an unforgettable, bold homage.

Robert Pattinson stars in this highly anticipated film, offering an exciting performance that takes stellar dedication and commitment, particularly impressive alongside his colourful catalogue of films in 2026 (The Odyssey, The Drama). Another psychological thriller produced by A24, Primetime solidifies the studio’s expertise in this mind-bending genre, showcasing another outstanding, high-quality production. A24 never seems to repeat an idea, yet consistently delivers the same feelings of astonishment and discomfort that keep audiences entertained and bewitched. Primetime does more than haunt paedophiles and bring them to justice. As the show’s popularity rises and it occupies a primetime television slot, the protagonist is haunted himself, who is faced with an array of identity issues that chase and hunt him, much like the individuals he pursues in this grimy show.

Inspired by the 2000s show To Catch a Predator, director Lance Oppenheim uses a range of mediums to replicate the gritty, grainy aesthetic of this popular series. Using 12 camera formats, including 16mm film, DV camcorders, a decaying Sony camera, and modern cinema cameras, Oppenheim conceives a nostalgic, hypnotic feel that captures the emotions of everyone on screen, right down to the beads of sweat dripping from each paedophile caught unexpectedly.

Lighting stood out in this production and coloured us in warm reds, as well as cold blues, with yellows and oranges in between, exacerbating feelings of anxiety, passion, and fear throughout the film, giving a fresh alternative to modern industry lighting. The soundtrack, filled with symphonies and orchestras, captured feelings perfectly and was another seamless addition to the freshness of this production. Audacious yet nostalgic, Primetime is a hypnotic as it is unsettling.

Primetime is showing in cinemas across Australia from October 29th, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks A24 and Nixco for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Janer for Moviedoc

Follow on Instagram – @cksjaner

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