The podcaster blasted the new thriller as mostly made‑up, gave Pattinson a D grade and warned the film trivialises child‑exploitation issues.
Chris Hansen didn’t mince words after catching the opening night screening of A24’s new thriller Primetime. In a fresh episode of his "Have a Seat" podcast, the former journalist labelled the movie “over‑the‑top” and said the bulk of what he saw was fabricated.
According to TMZ, Hansen told a fellow audience member that “ninety‑eight percent of that movie was pure fiction.” He went on to describe Pattinson’s on‑screen persona as “detached, unhinged and downright unlikable,” adding that the actor looked like a character out of a horror flick, complete with a sickly green wash on his face.
The criticism didn’t stop at the lead performance. Hansen took issue with director Lance Oppenheim’s framing of the story as a “love letter,” arguing that it warped his perception of Hollywood’s willingness to treat serious subjects lightly. The former investigative reporter said the film felt insulting to those fighting child‑exploitation, turning a grave issue into a melodramatic spectacle.
When pressed about the film’s artistic merit, Hansen conceded that Pattinson is a “talented” actor, but he felt the role was mishandled. He summed up his verdict with a D grade, quipping that he might be the only critic whose opinion truly matters in this context.
Legal angles also surfaced in the conversation. Hansen mentioned that lawyers have approached him, expressing eagerness to explore possible actions against the film’s producers, though he said he is more interested in moving forward with his own documentary project titled “I’m Chris Hansen.”
The podcast episode also featured a short clip of Hansen interviewing movie‑goers in Times Square, where reactions ranged from bewilderment to outright disdain. While some fans defended the film’s bold visual style, the consensus among Hansen’s listeners leaned heavily towards disappointment.
Primetime, starring Pattinson as a version of himself caught in a nightmarish scenario, has already sparked debate on social media. Viewers are split between those who appreciate the unsettling atmosphere and those who feel the narrative exploits real‑world trauma for cheap thrills.
What comes next for the film? A24 has yet to comment on Hansen’s remarks, but the studio is known for weathering controversy. Meanwhile, the director, Lance Oppenheim, may have to address the accusations of fictionalising a sensitive issue if the backlash gains momentum.
For now, the movie’s box‑office trajectory remains uncertain, and fans will be watching closely to see whether Hansen’s scathing review sways audience numbers or simply adds another voice to an already polarised conversation.
Be the first to comment
Join the argument. No password, just your email or a passkey.