Movie Recommendation: Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile (Netflix)
Hi Everyone,
This recommendation post is a little different than usual, but I’m really glad I gave this one a chance. Today’s recommendation is Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix.
This movie covers the charges of murder against Ted Bundy that occurred during the 1970’s.
First things first, I learned about the terrifying story of Ted Bundy through the My Favorite Murder Podcast , which has rapidly become popular in the past few years.
My Favorite Murder reignited my interest in the genre of true crime, and though I don’t currently feel a desire to read true crime books, I do have an appreciation for the stories being told via Podcast, TV series, and movies. I mean, how else would we get inspiration for horror and thrillers if not through terrible things that have happened in the past?
Anyways, when I heard about a Netflix movie covering the story of Ted Bundy, I just had to see it!
The movie starts with a young single mother Liz as she goes to a bar with a friend. She doesn’t want to be there and stresses this to her friend when her friend reveals a man has been checking her out all evening.
Guess who? Yep, it’s Ted Bundy.
Run, Liz, run!
Well, she doesn’t run. Sad, I know. Instead, Liz and Ted quickly become inseparable, and much to her delight, Ted is great around her kid. They enjoy a life together, but things aren’t sunshine and rainbows forever.
Soon an outbreak of assaults, disappearances, and killing occur in the area, and someone drops Ted’s name. Even worse, he’s arrested and picked out of a lineup as the man who assaulted a young woman.
I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll keep it brief. Things pick up pretty quickly after this occurs, and Ted finds himself trying to clear his name. Soon he is being charged with the murders of numerous women in Colorado, Utah, and then Florida. Will Ted clear his name? Can Liz trust him?
I have to say, I had some mixed feelings about this movie, but ultimately I really enjoyed the experience.
On one hand, I really enjoyed Liz’s character. I felt really bad for her, being so close to someone who completely fooled her.
I also thought that Zac Efron really captured the essence of Ted Bundy in this movie. He was charming, confident, and terrifying all at the same time.
A good portion of this movie centered on the courtroom drama of it all, and while I usually don’t enjoy that at all, I thought it was interesting.
That being said, I would’ve rather had the movie center more on the beginning of things between Liz and Ted and when he first began his assaults and murders. I feel like the audience could’ve gotten a better idea of the duality going on in Bundy’s head if they were able to see both sides of him presented equally.
Overall, this movie was great. Mystery, drama, some light thrills. It’s definitely worth a go if you want to learn more about the story of Ted Bundy and a terrible, horrifying time in history.
Happy watching everyone, and keep those night lights on!
***All photos used in this post are from IMDB and do not belong to me***
I liked the movie but I don’t think it did a good job at conveying the real story of Ted Bundy. It doesn’t even begin to show how messed up he was. Also, at the end when Lily Collins’ character says it was her that called 911, I was kind of annoyed that that was the build-up. Because Ted Bundy’s neighbor, mother, and coworker also all called 911 on him. If I wasn’t such a big nerd for true crime, I probably would’ve loved the movie!
I actually agree with you. I wish they would’ve delved a bit further into the kinds of things he was doing, even at the risk of spoiling (can we even call it that?) the fact that he’s a murderer.
Exactly! Up until the last moment did they 100% confirm that he did it. I get that he was always really manipulative and charming but they should’ve shown his dark side much earlier on.
Couldn’t agree with you more. It would have made a more interesting, action-packed movie than it was. Especially because I’m a murderino (MFM) and want to know who dunnit and how.
I’m a murderino too!
*gasp* No way! *jumps up and down in excitement* Go us! I saw them live the last time they went to LA. It was so awesome!
Awe, I’m jealous! I really want to see them live!
You will one day! And it was a lot of fun and totally worth the money!