Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019) Review: A Chilling Portrait of a Notorious Criminal
Introduction
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” directed by Joe Berlinger and released in 2019, is a biographical crime drama that delves into the life and crimes of Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous serial killers in American history. The film, starring Zac Efron as Bundy and Lily Collins as his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, provides a unique perspective on Bundy’s criminal activities through the eyes of those closest to him. This review will explore the film’s plot, performances, themes, and reception, as well as where you can watch it online.
Plot Overview
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” chronicles the life of Ted Bundy through the lens of Elizabeth Kloepfer, who was in a relationship with Bundy during the height of his killing spree. The film highlights the dissonance between Bundy’s charming public persona and the horrific crimes he committed, revealing the gradual realization and horror experienced by Kloepfer as she uncovers the truth about Bundy.
The film focuses on Bundy’s trial and the impact it had on those around him, particularly Kloepfer, who struggled to reconcile her feelings for Bundy with the mounting evidence of his criminal activities. The narrative captures the media frenzy surrounding Bundy’s case and the complex dynamics of his relationships, offering a portrayal of Bundy that is both chilling and unsettling.
Characters and Performances
Zac Efron delivers a compelling performance as Ted Bundy, capturing the charismatic and disturbing duality of the infamous criminal. Efron’s portrayal emphasizes Bundy’s manipulative charm and the underlying menace that made him a notorious figure. His performance is central to the film, providing insight into Bundy’s psychological complexity.
Lily Collins plays Elizabeth Kloepfer with emotional depth and vulnerability. Collins’ portrayal effectively conveys Kloepfer’s inner turmoil and growing disbelief as she grapples with the reality of Bundy’s crimes. Her performance adds a poignant and personal dimension to the story, highlighting the impact of Bundy’s actions on those closest to him.
The supporting cast includes John Malkovich as Judge Edward Cowart, Angela Sarafyan as Carol Ann Boone, and Jim Parsons as Officer Bob Hayward. Their performances contribute to the film’s portrayal of the broader context of Bundy’s trial and the various figures involved in his story.
Themes and Symbolism
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” explores several key themes:
Duality of Human Nature: The film examines the duality of Ted Bundy’s character, contrasting his charming public persona with the brutal reality of his criminal actions. This theme is central to the film, highlighting the complex nature of Bundy’s personality and the difficulty in reconciling his outward appearance with his inner darkness.
Manipulation and Deception: Bundy’s ability to manipulate and deceive those around him is a central theme in the film. The portrayal of his relationship with Elizabeth Kloepfer underscores the ways in which Bundy used his charm and charisma to conceal his true nature and evade suspicion.
The Impact of Crime on Victims’ Families: The film also explores the emotional and psychological impact of Bundy’s crimes on the victims’ families and those close to him. Kloepfer’s experiences provide a personal perspective on the broader consequences of Bundy’s actions, highlighting the trauma and confusion faced by those who were directly affected.
Media Sensation and Public Perception: The film addresses the media frenzy surrounding Bundy’s trial and the ways in which public perception of the case was influenced by sensationalist reporting. This theme is reflected in the film’s depiction of the media’s role in shaping the narrative around Bundy and his crimes.
Cinematography and Direction
The cinematography in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” is effective in capturing the time period and the emotional intensity of the story. The film’s visual style reflects the late 1970s setting and contributes to the overall atmosphere of suspense and tension.
Joe Berlinger’s direction ensures that the film maintains a focus on the personal and psychological aspects of the story. Berlinger, known for his work on true crime documentaries, brings a thoughtful and nuanced approach to the subject matter, balancing the film’s depiction of Bundy’s crimes with an exploration of Kloepfer’s experiences.
Reception and Impact
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” received mixed to positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for the performances of Zac Efron and Lily Collins, particularly Efron’s portrayal of Bundy. Critics noted that Efron’s performance added depth to the character and offered a chilling glimpse into Bundy’s psyche.
However, some reviewers felt that the film’s focus on Bundy’s relationship with Kloepfer overshadowed the broader context of his crimes. The film’s depiction of Bundy’s crimes was also noted to be less graphic and explicit compared to other portrayals of serial killers, which some viewers found to be a deliberate choice to focus more on psychological and emotional aspects.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film’s exploration of Bundy’s duality and its impact on those close to him provided a unique perspective on a well-known criminal case. The film contributed to the broader conversation about Bundy’s legacy and the ways in which his story is told and understood.
Where to Watch “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” Online
For those interested in watching “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” here are some streaming and purchase options available in the United States:
1. Amazon Prime Video
- Availability: The film is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Rental Price: Approximately $3.99
- Purchase Price: Around $12.99
2. Apple iTunes
- Availability: “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” can be rented or purchased on Apple iTunes.
- Rental Price: Around $4.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $14.99
3. Google Play Movies & TV
- Availability: The film is available for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV.
- Rental Price: Roughly $3.99
- Purchase Price: Around $12.99
4. YouTube Movies
- Availability: “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” is also available on YouTube Movies for rent or purchase.
- Rental Price: Approximately $3.99
- Purchase Price: Around $12.99
5. Hulu
- Availability: The film is available for streaming on Hulu.
- Subscription Required: Yes
Conclusion
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” (2019) offers a chilling and thought-provoking portrayal of Ted Bundy through the eyes of those closest to him. With strong performances from Zac Efron and Lily Collins, and a nuanced approach to the subject matter, the film provides a unique perspective on Bundy’s crimes and their impact. Available on various streaming platforms, it is accessible for those interested in exploring this compelling and unsettling story.
