Movie Overview
Released in 2019 and directed by acclaimed documentarian Joe Berlinger, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile offers a unique perspective on the harrowing true story of one of America's most notorious serial killers. Unlike typical crime procedurals, this biography reframes the narrative to focus on Liz Kendall, played by Lily Collins, whose long-term relationship with Ted Bundy provides the emotional anchor of the film. Zac Efron delivers a charismatic and unsettling performance as Bundy, capturing the charm that allowed him to evade capture for so long while leaving viewers to grapple with the duality of his character.
The plot expertly navigates the timeline of Bundy's arrest and subsequent trials in Florida, juxtaposing the escalating media frenzy with Liz's private denial. As the evidence mounts, the drama explores the psychological toll on the loved ones of criminals, making it a standout entry in the crime genre on Netflix. The production benefits from Berlinger's documentary background, grounding the stylistic choices in historical accuracy without sacrificing the narrative's cinematic tension.
While the film received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 54% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 52/100 on Metacritic, it was recognized with 5 wins and 5 nominations across various award ceremonies. Critics praised Efron’s transformation, though some debated the film's portrayal of Bundy. For viewers looking to watch online, this movie provides a thought-provoking exploration of denial and the human capacity for self-deception. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is a compelling watch for those interested in the psychological complexities behind true crime.
