Many of us in the last year are so have found ourselves gruesomely fascinated with serial killers. Just look at how many podcasts are thriving out there based solely on the subject. This isn't a new phenomenon. It comes and goes from time to time, but 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile' seemed to revive interest in not only Ted Bundy, but serious concern with the celebrity of murderers. Frankly, I found the film a bit disappointing. I'd been incredibly excited to see it, but the structure just didn't work for me. Anyone who thinks it sensationalized and idolized Bundy just because Zac Efron is pretty probably didn't see it.
But I'm not here to tear apart a Netflix film that just didn't work for me, I'm here to actually recommend another Bundy film based on a book by Ann Rule, who one might say was almost a friend of Ted's. The Stranger Beside me is two stories, the side of Ann as she learns and comes to terms of Bundy's monstrosity, and a montage of Ted's more infamous killings that eventually led to his capture and ultimate demise. I really loved Billy Campbell's performance in this, because he straddled the line of Bundy's personality so well. On one side, this polished performer who could charm just about anyone with only a few words, and on the other side a seriously disturbed person compelled to commit horrible acts with overwhelming arrogance and belief that no matter what he'll always get away with it.
It's a tv movie that doesn't really need the big budget flair you'd expect from such a 'celebrity' in the world of serial killers, and somehow it just really worked as a solid film despite this, or maybe even because of it.
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