Fueled in part by recent elite conspiracy theories, discussion about pedophilic degeneracy has entered the mainstream. The 2026 film “Primetime” contributes to the conversation, focusing less on abuse involving minors and more on the pitfalls of American network television, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked egos.

Chris Hansen, a journalist and celebrity personality, hosted the original NBC program “To Catch a Predator,” a popular reality show that ran from 2004 to 2007, meant to protect children from online enemies. “Primetime” covers the controversy around the show through the lens of a metaphorical biopic and psychological thriller.

But don’t let the label “psychological thriller” fool you into thinking the film is scary — it’s exactly the opposite. Although the film becomes more serious in its final act, “Primetime” is both disturbing and sometimes unintentionally laughable because of its absurdity. It’s a strange film, not only because of the content covered, but because of its uncanny feel.

The film takes place in 2006, following Chris Hansen, played by Robert Pattinson, Dan Plum, played by Skyler Gisondo and Andie Bender, played by Merritt Wever.

The movie starts with Hansen “catching” a predator and quipping his trademark line, “You see how this looks, right?” This is paired with him descending the stairs as he locks eyes with the sucker who’s just been caught.

Mayhem ensues, the perp is arrested, and Hansen can’t help but smile at the ratings. However, his own selfish actions ignite the destruction of his career and family life.

Anna Faris plays Mary Joan Hansen, Chris Hansen’s unhappy wife, a slightly unsettling character. Faris barely physically moves out of bed and has a generally uncomfortable aura, especially as you watch her stare lifelessly at her husband. Although this could have been on purpose to emphasize Chris Hansen’s perspective, it was alarming and seemingly random. Her brief time on screen was truly off-putting, but welcome after the horrible dumpster fire that was her involvement in the recent release of “Scary Movie 6.”

Ultimately, Pattinson plays a version of Chris Hansen that cares for the cause, but is focused more on personal success and recognition. Throughout the film, the actor speaks in an American accent and voice identical to that of the real Chris Hansen, which is one of the most remarkable parts of the film. However, in a way, his tone comes across as performance, beyond just acting, further contributing to the powerhouse journalist identity Hansen yearned to be perceived as.

Dan Plum, also referred to as “Decoy Dan,” is hired as a decoy to entrap child predators for the show, acting as an underage boy who lures them before Chris Hansen enters for questioning.

Before Plum goes for his first shift, he works out and shaves his body hair in an attempt to appear more boyish. The sequence is highlighted with uncomfortable sexual comments from his musty friend, whose unkempt appearance leads you to believe he could eat his own toenails. Scenes like this serve as a commentary on how underage features can be fetishized.

As the film progresses, Plum is further exploited by the show due to his naivety. The story infantilizes Plum, and the way he acts comes across as childlike. He’s framed as someone the audience is supposed to feel for, which makes sense. The character is a 23-year-old kid with a single acting credit from Toys “R” Us, who mistakenly gets tossed into a perverted nightmare. Of course, his ignorance would result in him being taken advantage of by the system, a sharp commentary on the entertainment industry.

During the first half of the movie, it is easy to focus on various popular references, such as “The Boondocks” episode “A Date with the Booty Warrior,” “man’s butt,” or Chris Hansen’s various recognizable quotes. However, the film ultimately conveys a much deeper meaning. Yes, it’s crazy to see the same guy who played Edward Cullen and Batman play Chris Hansen, but that’s just more of a reason to watch it.

Rating: 3.8/5