Primetime 2026

Movie · 109 min · English · September 5, 2026

Crime drama Crime thriller Psychological thriller

Directed by Lance OppenheimWritten by Ajon Singh

Starring Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Anna Faris

Primetime represents a 2026 American psychological thriller crafted by Ajon Singh and helmed by Lance Oppenheim. The movie recreates events surrounding the reality television show To Catch a Predator (2004–2007); Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, an NBC journalist affiliated with the vigilante group Perverted-Justice in capturing child predators through sting operations. Supporting performances are delivered by Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, and Phoebe Bridgers.

Oppenheim, known previously for documentary work, developed Primetime as his inaugural narrative feature following his spouse requesting Hansen to record a Cameo video in 2024. Singh adapted the screenplay from Luke Dittrich's 2007 Esquire piece titled "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die", recounting the failed To Catch a Predator operation that led to 2006 Bill Conradt’s suicide, aiming for a stylized interpretation rather than a factual portrayal. Principal filming occurred between February and March 2025; cinematographer David Bolen utilized 12 camera formats to mirror the visual style of To Catch a Predator sting setups and digital recordings.

Ari Balouzian created the musical score for the film, producing 24 tracks including the single "Savior". Balouzian became involved early in production, starting his work before and during filming; Pattinson reviewed Balouzian's music during shooting to assist with character immersion. Bridgers contributed the track "On Video" to the soundtrack. Both "On Video" and "Savior" appear as closing credits songs for Primetime.

The film made its debut at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2026, followed by a theatrical release in the United States through A24 on September 25. It earned $51 million domestically against a $14.5 million budget and garnered favorable reviews. Hansen, who was not involved in production, dismissed it as "detached from reality".