Andonia Goergen
Staff Writer
The Netflix original movie “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” whose title is a line taken straight out of the movie, provides an interesting, yet eerie take on infamous serial killer Ted Bundy’s personal life.
The film keeps viewers intrigued, especially those who have an eye for true crime movies and television, but it does not provide viewers with much information on Bundy’s crimes. Instead, it focuses on his personal life, which can be portrayed as glorifying this serial killer.
Directed by Joe Berlinger and written by Elizabeth Kendall and Michael Werwie, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” is based off of the book “The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy,” which was also written by Kendall, Bundy’s longtime girlfriend at the time of his prosecution.
The movie primarily follows Bundy (Zac Efron) and Kendall (Lily Collins) as Bundy is being convicted for the murder of over 30 women. It delves deep into their relationship before he was found guilty and during his time in prison, and focuses on the struggles Bundy and Kendall were experiencing separately. However, the movie does not provide much background information or specifics on Bundy’s crimes, which viewers who are unfamiliar with this case may need.
Efron delivers a compelling, yet unsettling performance as Bundy, which is something very different than what viewers are used to seeing from the “High School Musical” and “Neighbors” star. Not only does he resemble Bundy on the outside with his whole appearance being that of Bundy’s, but Efron successfully captures his manipulative personality with a hint of disturbing charm.
Efron’s co-star, Collins, also proves her impressive abilities as an actress. Her performance of the deeply disturbed and confused Kendall is powerful, especially towards the end of the film when viewers see her emerge as a much stronger woman and protagonist.
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” has a ominous mood that is appropriate considering the subject of the movie. Even though it does not tackle some of the murders that Bundy committed head on, there is still a sinister mood due to Bundy’s unusual character.
The ending of the film does a great job of bringing the whole movie together from beginning to end. During the end credits, scenes from Bundy’s actual trial are played, showing just how accurate some of the scenes are.
Overall, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” is an interesting watch that viewers with a taste for true crime will enjoy regardless of whether or not the movie glorifies Ted Bundy as a serial killer. The movie provides an interesting view on Bundy’s personal life, something that is often overlooked.
Rated R, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” was released on May 3 and is available for streaming on Netflix.
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