Rent Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

3.3 of 5 from 371 ratings
1h 46min
Rent Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
Ted (Zac Efron): handsome, smart, charismatic, affectionate. Liz (Lily Collins): a single mother, cautious, but smitten. A picture of domestic bliss, the two seem to have it all figured out, that is until Ted is arrested and charged with a series of increasingly grisly murders. As concern turns to paranoia, Liz is forced to consider how well she knows the man she shares a life with and, as the evidence piles up, decide if Ted is truly a victim, or actually guilty as charged.
Actors:
, , , , Macie Carmosino, Ava Inman, , , Richard K. Jones, , , , , Maya Berlinger, , , , , ,
Directors:
Producers:
Joe Berlinger, Nicolas Chartier, Michael Costigan, Ara Keshishian, Michael Simkin
Writers:
Elizabeth Kendall, Michael Werwie
Studio:
Universal Pictures
Genres:
Drama, Thrillers
BBFC:
Release Date:
09/09/2019
Run Time:
106 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 2.0, English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.40:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Behind the Scenes Special
BBFC:
Release Date:
09/09/2019
Run Time:
110 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.40:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
B
Bonus:
  • Behind the Scenes Special

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Reviews (3) of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Extremely Average...but Efron shines - Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile review by JB

Spoiler Alert
Updated 09/05/2020

Zac Efron delivers a performance ten times better than the film itself in this story of real-life serial killer Ted Bundy and his long-term girlfriend (played by Lily Collins), who has no idea of her partner's crimes until he is arrested.

Focusing on the years from Bundy's first killing to his execution on death row, the film is told from the perspective of Bundy's girlfriend. The problem is the film becomes increasingly less interested in the girlfriend and even Bundy, despite them being the main characters, and much more interested in the details of the murders (although there's no onscreen violence, in a well-thought-out decision from director Joe Berlinger). She becomes a non-descript character, despite her significant screen time ... he never becomes more than two-dimensional: we never truly get to the bottom of how Bundy hid everything from her, why she sticks with him even though it becomes increasingly clear he is guilty and he is lying to her too, or why he did what he did. It doesn't really work despite some nice touches on the way (the director, who has a background in documentary, puts in nice period detail and odd unsettling moments throughout).

Zac Efron is the reason to watch the film, though. As well as being alarmingly physically and facially similar to Bundy here (albeit with added Hollywood abs), he's got that heightened charisma of a psychopath nailed down and he becomes increasingly animated and delusional as the film goes on. He captures the cracks in the Bundy persona well, too. You can see why he was attracted to the role - there's a lot to work with here and it's another string to his bow. He's becoming really quite a different actor and he's now a long way from High School Musical.

2 out of 4 members found this review helpful.

Zac Efron gives a Daniel Day-Lewis level performance in an otherwise mediocre film - Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile review by TB

Spoiler Alert
12/07/2023

I realise the title is a staggering claim. This is the actor who started in High School Musical and then made his name doing mainly schlocky but sometimes funny stoner comedies. But I absolutely stand by it: in this film, Zac Efron gives an incredible, monumental and flawless performance as Ted Bundy.

I have seen many documentaries on serial killers, and obviously one of the people who looms largest is Bundy. His total and utter depravity, along with the despicableness of his crimes, was rivalled only by his absolute cunning & deviousness, including escaping from prison. Ironically, just before I rented this, I watched a Netflix documentary series which used the extensive recordings/media clips made by/featuring Bundy whilst he was on trial. So I had spent a great deal of time watching the real Bundy before I watched the dramatised one. And this is why I compare Efron's performance with Daniel Day-Lewis's level of work.

It is a stunning, transformative performance, literally chameleonic and scary. Every single element, down to the little head movements and pauses. When you compare side by side, you struggle to spot the difference.

Unfortunately, the rest of the film is in many ways a standard biopic. There are some inspired casting choices, John Malkovich being a particularly good one, as the judge presiding over the trial. I also, for a time when there is such a focus of violence & gore, really respect the fact that there is almost no showing of the violence that Bundy committed, just the aftermath.

So whilst this film had the amazing central performance, it is so good the rest of the film just cannot match it.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

Disturbing Movie about Ted Bundy, US serial killer of 1970s featured in so many films - Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile review by PV

Spoiler Alert
11/04/2023

Ted Bundy's life and crimes have been covered in so many films, maybe 10 or so, the latest being NO MAN OF GOD.

I suppose his good looks and charm make it so - how he attracted so many young women - he admitted to killing 30 but there were probably more.

This film focuses on his relationship with his girlfriends and constant denial, and how he was an arch manipulator liar.

Then it becomes a courtroom drama.

Watch to the end credits to see real-life footage.

4 stars

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

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