Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Image via Netflix

A serial killer thriller saved by a career-best performance stalks the Netflix charts

A mediocre serial thriller killer elevated by a fantastic lead performance has become one of Netflix's most popular titles.

There’s been a very bizarre and slightly unsettling infatuation with infamous serial killer Ted Bundy unfolding across the film and television sphere recently, with no less than five projects revolving around his crimes having arrived since the beginning of 2019 alone.

Recommended Videos

Netflix’s Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes was followed by Amazon’s own docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer, while Chad Michael Murray played the role in last year’s American Boogeyman, which was released less than two weeks before Luke Kirby inhabited the notorious murderer in No Man of God.

Arguably the best of the fictional bunch, though, is Joe Berlinger’s Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. It may be a bout as formulaic as true crime movies get, but the entire operation is significantly elevated by a career-best performance from Zac Efron, who subverts his charming and charismatic screen persona to unnerving effect.

Extremely Wicked Shocking Evil and Vile

It’s also worth mentioning that the film boasts one of the most random supporting casts you’re ever likely to see, with names as diverse as Lilly Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Dylan Baker, John Malkovich, The Big Bang Theory‘s Jim Parsons, Haley Joel Osment, and even Metallica frontman James Hetfield all showing up at various points.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile isn’t a classic by any means, but it’s been performing very well on Netflix, as per FlixPatrol. The thriller has entered the global most-watched list in fifteenth position having scored Top 10 placings in eight countries, so the Bundy effect is still in full force.


We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Scott Campbell
Scott Campbell
News, reviews, interviews. To paraphrase Keanu Reeves; Words. Lots of words.