Robert Pattinson’s Oscar Contender New Thriller Officially Breaks The Odyssey Record

Robert Pattinson is officially having one of the most incredible critical runs of his career. Just weeks after dominating the global box office and earning universal acclaim in Christopher Nolan’s massive historical epic The Odyssey, the British star has managed to outdo his own high-water mark.

With early reviews dropping out of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, Lance Oppenheim’s dark A24 psychological thriller Primetime has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a jaw-dropping 94% approval rating. That critical consensus officially eclipses the certified fresh score of The Odyssey, setting a brand-new personal best in Pattinson’s post-Twilight career and cementing him as the undeniable frontrunner in this year’s Oscar conversation.

Robert Pattinson Stuns Critics as Chris Hansen in A24’s ‘Primetime’

Robert Pattinson as Chris Hansen in a still from Primetime | Credits: A24

Directed by documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim in his narrative feature debut, Primetime plunges headfirst into the underbelly of mid-2000s reality television. Pattinson steps into the unhinged shoes of an investigative host modeled after To Catch a Predator anchor Chris Hansen. The film explores the toxic, sensationalistic world of televised sting operations where justice and media ratings collide.

The thriller chronicles how Hansen, his ruthless network producer Andie Bender (played by Emmy-winner Merritt Wever), and decoy Dan Plumb (Skyler Gisondo) maneuvered an ecosystem of vigilantes, police sting setups, and corporate pressure led by former NBC boss Jeff Zucker (who makes a bold cameo as himself).

Reviews out of Venice have lavished unstinting praise on Pattinson’s electric screen presence, describing his portrayal as calculating, charismatic, and chillingly layered. Following a nine-minute standing ovation at the premiere, critics have singled out his ability to expose the ruthless ambition and moral rot inside early-2000s tabloid journalism. It is a bold, transformative swing that proves once again why Pattinson remains one of modern Hollywood’s most fearless and adventurous leading men. (Via Forbes)

With back-to-back masterpieces dominating both high-budget studio filmmaking and edgy prestige cinema, Robert Pattinson has firmly transformed from teen heartthrob to the defining actor of his generation.

Do you think Robert Pattinson’s chilling turn in Primetime will finally secure him his first Academy Award? Sound off in the comments below!

A24 is releasing Primetime exclusively in theaters across North America on September 25, 2026.