Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile paints an eerie and haunting perspective on one of the most infamous serial killers in America's history, Ted Bundy. Released in 2019, this biographical crime thriller is directed by Joe Berlinger, known for his expertise in documentaries revolving around crime and justice. The movie boasts a star-studded cast including Zac Efron as the chilling Ted Bundy, Lily Collins as his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall, and Angela Sarafyan in a supporting role.

Zac Efron delivers a chilling performance as Ted Bundy, showcasing the charismatic and engaging side of the serial killer that seduced and deceived not only his victims but also the public. Efron meticulously brings to life the chilling duplicity of Bundy - a law student who seems to be the perfect catch, hiding a malevolent secret life. Bit by bit, Efron crumbles Bundy's facade to reveal the terrifying figure beneath.

Lily Collins dons the role of Elizabeth Kendall, Bundy's long-time girlfriend. Her performance successfully navigates the complex emotions and the profound struggle of her character who must reconcile the man she loves with the horrific crimes he is accused of committing. Collins adds depth to her role as she grapples with denial, guilt, and coming to terms with the chilling reality that her significant other was a cunning manipulator and killer.

The movie also features Angela Sarafyan, who brings subtlety and nuance to her supporting role, further enhancing the overall dynamic between the main characters in the film.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile takes an alternative approach when compared to the traditional true-crime genre. While many crime stories focus on the law enforcement perspective or the gruesome details of the crimes, this movie opts for a different route. It tells the story from Kendall's perspective, adding an element of deeply personal tension and horror to the narrative.

The movie partially unfolds as a suspenseful legal drama, with audiences witnessing Bundy's numerous courtroom spectacles, emphasizing his manipulative nature and theatrical charisma that won over many, despite the shocking allegations against him. The film also explores how Bundy consistently denied his guilt and managed to escape from custody twice, which further adds to the suspenseful narrative.

Berlinger, with his distinctive style, brings authenticity by integrating actual footage and photos within the movie. He masterfully crafts the tension using a dual-handed approach. One side is the 'normal life' as projected by Bundy towards Kendall and the public, while the other side is the increasing pile of evidence and nightmarish revelations.

The movie's strength lies in how it manages to build an atmosphere of tension while presenting a multi-faceted portrayal of Bundy's characters. It goes beyond the horrific acts to analyze the manipulation, psychological warfare, and the terrorizing charm that Bundy possessed, adding layers to the storytelling.

At the same time, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile doesn’t but lack in delivering a punch of raw emotions through its depiction of Kendall's struggle. The film chronicles her journey of denial, hope, despair, and finally acceptance, providing the audience with an emotionally fraught viewing experience.

The costumes, production design, and cinematography effectively evoke the 1970s, adding depth to the narrative setting and enhancing the chilling ambiance of the storytelling.

In conclusion, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile makes for a compelling watch for anyone who has an interest in true crime stories, psychological thrillers, or biographical dramas. It excels in combining a biographical recount with a thriller's suspenseful edge and human drama's emotional depth. With solid performances from the lead cast and a narrative that maintains fast-paced momentum, the film guides the audience through a chilling journey of deception, manipulation, and an infamous chapter of criminal history. While some may find the lack of gore and gruesome detail unorthodox for a film about a serial killer, the film's exploration of psychological tactics and emotional manipulation provides a unique perspective on the notorious criminal.