Both “Primetime” and “Heart of the Beast” were films released on Sept. 25, 2026, bringing two very different thrillers to the theaters.
“Primetime” stars Robert Pattinson, known for his roles in “Twilight”, “The Batman” and “The Odyssey.” Pattinson played the role of NBC Journalist Chris Hansen. The film followed the story of Chris Hansen’s reality TV show, “To Catch a Predator.”
“To Catch a Predator” was often a witty and unserious show back in the early 2000’s. However, “Primetime” demonstrates the intense, and potentially dangerous, behind-the-scenes production of the show. The film also included psychological aspects to depict the personal hardships many of the production team experienced while working on the show.
The film scored an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences had differing opinions on the movie as a whole.
“Pattinson goes full Chris Hansen in a dramatised look on the true events of ‘To Catch a Predator,’” said the NikandMik podcast. “Along with great cinematography, Lance Oppenheimer creates a compelling narrative driven story, with a great performance from Robert Pattinson.”
While some enjoyed the unique writing style and skilled acting of the film, others found the storyline to be weird and uncomfortable.
“Total rubbish, utter tripe, what a waste of money and precious time,” said audience member Helen D.
In fact, Chris Hansen himself expressed his offense over “Primetime.”
“It’s a cheap, dark, twisted take on something that has had an amazing impact on society,” Hansen said.
According to Fox58 News, Hansen had no association with the writing and making of the film. He found the film to be offensive and a disgrace to the work he had done as a journalist.
“This movie, I think, is an insult to not only me, but to the thousands of men and women who work with me, or who work in this field, every day attempting to protect children from predators,” Hansen added.
Overall, despite the backlash from Hansen and other critics, this movie is intriguing, and it brings a thoughtful insight into the world of television and the background of the shows that many people know and love.
“Primetime” is rated R. Viewers should be advised that the film depicts very intense topics and has its fair-share of language, sexual content and graphic nudity.
For a more lighthearted film, “Heart of the Beast,” starring Brad Pitt, was released in theaters the same weekend.
“Heart of the Beast” follows retired Special Forces veteran James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his K-9 companion, Odin, as they fight for survival after a plane crash in the forests of Alaska.
While attempting to make a 58-mile trek back to civilization, the duo is faced with the wild animals of the forest, rough weather and lack of food, all while experiencing post-traumatic stress from their days at war.
“Heart of the Beast” scored an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, with some audience members finding the film heartwarming and eye-catching. However, others had different opinions.
“A pile of boiling bull***t,” expressed Enik C in a review. “The movie was just another American propaganda film. Just don’t bother watching it.”
Many critics praised “Heart of the Beast” for its “stunning scenery” and adventurous storyline. Others enjoyed its interpretation of service dogs and the hardships they face after war.
“Throughout the whole movie you could see the connection and love between them both,” wrote Sandra G. “The movie kept me interested and on the edge of my seat in some scenes.”
“Heart of the Beast” may not be the most award-winning film of the year, but it is fun and thrilling, and it may cause its audience to shed a few tears.
This film is rated PG-13 for occasional violence and sensitive topics, but it is overall suitable for the entire family.
For more information on “Primetime” and “Heart of the Beast,” visit Rotten Tomatoes, and find more movie reviews here on suunews.net.
Author: Briar Breinholt
Photo: Courtesy of River Cities’ Reader
Editor: Conner Dean
eic@suunews.net
