Beyond his roles in The Drama, as the antagonist Antinoos in L'Odyssée, and his upcoming villainous turn as Scytale in Dune 3, it is his portrayal of Chris Hansen, host of the reality TV show To Catch a Predator, in Lance Oppenheim's Primetime that could truly earn him top accolades. This is certainly the sentiment emerging from the first reviews following the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Here's a press roundup.

Prime-Pattinson

"The secret may be that Pattinson never asks us to empathize with the character. In fact, he seems to revel in our aversion to him. But he's a true pleasure to watch. This is, to date, the best performance from the most fascinating actor of his generation." BBC
"Lance Oppenheim directs the actors with finesse, eliciting excellent performances, notably from Robert Pattinson, Skyler Gisondo, New York stage veteran Matthew Maher, and the indispensable Merritt Wever. But while Primetime entertains in a morbidly absurd way, it sorely lacks intellectual and psychological curiosity to dethrone [the documentary] Predators, a more serious study, and might well leave you perplexed as to the ultimate purpose of this anti-date movie." The Hollywood Reporter
"It's one thing to find a fascinating story – one moreover rooted in real history – as ripe for dissection as that of Chris Hansen, but it's another to actually give viewers insight into such a scandalous subject." The Film Stage

Robert Pattinson in Primetime "Mirror, mirror, tell me who's a pedo"

"Daniel Garber's inspired, allusive, and often very witty editing constantly weaves illuminating connections and ruptures. Without the extraordinary performances from the actors, this resolutely grimy approach would be off-putting. They make Primetime something you can't tear your eyes away from, even when the urge to retreat into the nearest shower becomes increasingly pressing." Variety
"Even if Primetime isn't quite a narrative success, the film still has plenty to be excited about. Robert Pattinson proves once again that he is one of the most interesting actors working today, always ready to take on the challenge of embodying exciting, original roles that bring something new to the audience." Next Best Picture
"Robert Pattinson delivers a striking performance as Hansen, a man grappling with serious difficulties, and Merritt Wever is phenomenal as the (fictional) producer Andie Bender. However, coming out only a year after David Osit's excellent documentary Predators, and indulging in numerous dramatic contrivances, Primetime can feel like a somewhat sensationalized dramatization of a complex true-life subject." Screen Daily

A divisive setup for Primetime A divisive setup

"It's a breathtaking demonstration of [Pattinson's] versatility, and watching the film, one cannot imagine any other actor of his generation capable of such a performance." Vulture
"With its primal scream, sickening colors, and powerful chords, 'Primetime' is sure to divide. Denouncing the hypocrisy of the Bush era with almost operatic virtuosity and aggression, this film is one that will either make you stand up and cheer with joy or leave you stunned and slightly indifferent." The Wrap
"It's the best and most repulsive film of its kind since Nightcrawler in 2014: it leaves the viewer both horrified and delighted, and consequently disgustingly complicit." The Telegraph

Primetime The hunt is on

With a solid 78/100, Primetime has largely won over the media present at Venice, though some critics remain unconvinced about its necessity (especially a year after the documentary Predators covered the same subject) and its narrative choices, which appear to be divisive. One thing is certain, however: Robert Pattinson is universally praised. Alongside John Malkovich for Wild Horse Nine, he is clearly a favorite for the 2026 Mostra Best Actor award, according to the press. Could he go all the way to the Oscars?

Time will tell, and everyone will soon be able to form their own opinion, as Primetime will be in French cinemas starting this September 23rd.