Entertainment · Film · 5 hrs ago
Robert Pattinson's true-crime thriller Primetime opens in UK cinemas
Primetime has opened in UK cinemas, about a month after its US release.
Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, the presenter of the real US TV programme To Catch a Predator.
The show, broadcast from 2004 to 2007, used online chats and a sting house to catch adult men seeking sex with minors.
The film is directed by Lance Oppenheim and also stars Merritt Wever, Phoebe Bridgers and Skyler Gisondo.
The story follows Hansen's drive to keep ratings high while catching predators, as the film explores the tension between public service and public spectacle.
It is loosely based on a 2007 Esquire article and draws on a programme that raised questions about vigilante justice and television's role.
UK audiences can now see the film in cinemas.
Robert Pattinson’s true-crime thriller Primetime has opened in UK cinemas.
The film’s general UK release is on 30 October, following previews that began on 28 October.
Directed by Lance Oppenheim, it is inspired by NBC’s To Catch a Predator.
Pattinson plays presenter Chris Hansen, whose pursuit of high ratings and predators drives the film’s story.
The film received its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival earlier in October.
- Who
- Primetime stars Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen, alongside Merritt Wever, Phoebe Bridgers and Skyler Gisondo.
- What
- The true-crime thriller Primetime has opened in UK cinemas.
- When
- Previews began on 28 October, with general release scheduled for 30 October.
- Where
- UK cinemas.
- Why
- The film explores the story of a television programme inspired by To Catch a Predator and the tension between public service and public spectacle.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
NBC’s To Catch a Predator aired as part of Dateline.
Primetime received its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.
Previews of the film began in the UK.
The film’s general UK cinema release was scheduled.
- Director
- Lance Oppenheim
- Lead role
- Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen
- UK previews
- 28 October 2026
- UK general release
- 30 October 2026
- Inspiration
- NBC’s To Catch a Predator
What people are saying
gripping thriller about a cultural phenomenon