Zac Efron Saves Netflix's New Ted Bundy Flick
Start writing a post
Film

Zac Efron Saves Netflix's New Ted Bundy Flick

While it certainly is not a deep movie with philosophical roots, there is more than enough entertainment to keep you interested.

66
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Ozn_ox_4A

Netflix has been capitalizing on one of the most wicked killers of our time, Ted Bundy. It began with the docuseries "Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes," and followed with a trailer for the new film, "Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile," starring Zac Efron as the infamous killer.

Directed by Joe Berlinger, "Extremely" (what I will refer to the film for the rest of this article) is based around the life of Ted Bundy beginning with time surrounding when he was caught by police. It then addresses the psyche not only of Bundy himself but of all those he interacted with. Then, the film gives a dramatized inside look at the trial and everything that happened. I have had a relatively good experience with Netflix's original films, with movies such as "Roma," "The Dirt," and "Bird Box," and I also had a relatively good one with this film as well.

One of my favorite films of all time is a true crime film, David Fincher's "Zodiac." Not only did "Zodiac" explore the crimes of the killer that was never caught, but there was also an underlying message about obsession and putting too many eggs into one basket. While "Extremely" is certainly entertaining all the way through, there does not seem to be an underlying message that we can take away and learn from. Due to this, the deep, philosophical appeal of the film suffers.

In terms of other gripes I might have about the film, if you watched the docuseries released, you will understand that there are some discrepancies between the actual happenings of the case, and what is depicted in the film. I wish that these liberties would not have been taken due to the fact that it adds to the reality and education purposes of the film when every fact of the case is transferred onto the screen unaltered.

However, what saves the entire film is Zac Efron's performance. I would say Efron is present in about 90% of the film, and whenever he is on the screen, he just owns it. The ability to adapt to a character as Efron did is really unparalleled when compared to the portrayals of other infamous killers, including Jeremy Renner's performance as Jeffrey Dahmer. It is incredibly hard to describe Efron's performance other than just saying he is Ted Bundy for the entire film's runtime, and that alone is grounds for giving this a watch if you a fancy a good true crime film.

Simply due to the fact that this film is readily available on Netflix, I'd recommend giving it a watch. While it certainly is not a deep movie with philosophical roots, there is more than enough entertainment to keep you interested and immerse you into the psychologically disturbing universe of Ted Bundy. Give it a watch next time you fire up Netflix.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91230
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

66091
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments