To Catch A Killer (2023)

This thriller narrowly escapes mediocrity, thanks to a strong performance from Shailene Woodley.

What is To Catch A Killer about?

A haunted cop joins the hunt for a serial killer targeting people in Baltimore.

Where can you watch To Catch A Killer?

In cinemas.

Trigger Warnings:

Violence. Themes of addiction and self-harm.

My review of To Catch A Killer

Shailene Woodley anchors the story. With a weaker lead, there’s no doubt the movie would’ve flopped, because although the script is solid and the story atmospheric and gripping, it’s also relying on a strong presence from the primary actress. Ultimately, Woodley elevates an average movie. Her character is also the most three-dimensional of the cast, and I liked how subtle her characterisation was. Exposition wasn’t a thing, and whenever she did reveal snippets of her backstory, it never felt forced.

I also love the movie’s macabre tone. It’s consistently ominous, the scenes enhanced by beautiful cinematography and a chilly, muted colour palette. The visuals are sombre, yet eye-catching. It’s stunning in a depressing kind of way.

Shailene Woodley in To Catch A Killer | from IMDB.com

A good thriller film is hard to find. Too often, it’s poorly shot, characters are undeveloped, and the ending is ambiguous. To Catch A Killer is not brilliant, but it’s satisfying and gripping. I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the bittersweet ending, and it’s been stuck in my mind since I left the cinema.

Have you seen To Catch A Killer? What did you think of it?