Netflix's New Crime Thriller To Catch a Killer: A Review of the Underrated Movie

Image credits: Vertical Entertainment via Everett Collection

The world of crime thrillers is vast and filled with numerous titles that often fly under the radar, only to be rediscovered on popular streaming platforms like Netflix. One such movie is "To Catch a Killer," a 2023 crime thriller that has recently been added to Netflix's slate, offering viewers a chance to experience a gripping, albeit not entirely memorable, story of mystery and suspense. The film centers around Eleanor Falco, a troubled Baltimore cop played by Shailene Woodley, who is recruited to help hunt down a shooter responsible for a lethal shooting spree on New Year's Eve in Baltimore.

As Eleanor works with FBI agents Geoffrey Landmark and Jack McKenzie, her knack for spotting hidden clues and high intuition bring the team closer to the truth. However, the killer's seemingly illogical moves and the war of terror waged on the city threaten to derail Eleanor's life and career, making her troubled past a potential key to understanding the killer's mind and motives. The movie opens with a bang, showcasing a shocking and suitably intense scene of the shooting, setting the tone for a thriller that aims to get inside the mind of a deranged murderer. With its competent direction by Damián Szifron, "To Catch a Killer" takes clear inspirations from heavyweight movies in the genre, such as David Fincher's "Seven" and Denis Villeneuve's "Prisoners," even if it lacks narrative invention.

The film's critic and audience reception tells a story of a middle-of-the-road crime thriller, with a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 62%. While it may not elevate itself above its numerous genre contemporaries, "To Catch a Killer" is still a solid pick for a Netflix stream, offering enough excitement and mystery to see viewers through its two-hour runtime. The movie's stylish direction and fine performances, particularly from Shailene Woodley, who plays against her usual type, make it an engaging watch. However, the script's tendency to have characters explain their backstories in detail and its focus on real-life events and hot-button issues can feel like an abandonment of the hard logic and procedural investigation that makes the first half of the movie compelling.

Despite its shortcomings, "To Catch a Killer" remains a gripping thriller that can be enjoyed for its tense storytelling and clever breadcrumb trail of clues. The movie's ability to build paranoia and tension, particularly in its opening scene, is impressive, drawing viewers into the horror and suddenness of the killing without glamorizing or overstylizing it. With its confident direction, editing, and strong performances, "To Catch a Killer" is a pretty good time and a terrific fit for when viewers are looking for a solid thriller to stream on Netflix. For those seeking something of higher quality, Netflix also offers other options, such as its new docuseries covering the real-life inspiration behind 2001's "Black Hawk Down" or a sparky new romantic comedy that has gone straight to No. 1, albeit with cliches.

In conclusion, "To Catch a Killer" is a crime thriller that, while not perfect, provides an engaging and suspenseful watch. Its talented cast, stylish direction, and gripping storyline make it a worthwhile addition to Netflix's slate. As the streaming platform continues to give overlooked movies a second chance, "To Catch a Killer" is likely to enjoy a boost in popularity, making it a solid choice for viewers looking for a mid-week thriller. With its mix of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, "To Catch a Killer" is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, even if it doesn't entirely live up to the standards set by its genre contemporaries.