‘Terrific’ crime drama based on serial killer case in unmissable | Films | Entertainment
Mark Ruffalo in the dark crime drama Zodiac (Image: PARAMOUNT)
True crime enthusiasts simply cannot afford to overlook this critically acclaimed drama centred on one of history’s most notorious serial killers, reports the Mirror.
Zodiac, now streaming on Prime Video, chronicles the real-life police manhunt for a serial killer who terrorised the San Francisco Bay area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, murdering at least five people while claiming responsibility for 37 deaths.
The cold-blooded killer taunted investigators by sending them messages, letters, even bloodstained clothing and cyphers, ultimately earning the chilling moniker the ‘Zodiac killer’.
The film was adapted from two non-fiction books by Robert Graysmith: Zodiac (1986) and Zodiac Unmasked (2002).
Helmed by David Fincher, the acclaimed director behind Se7en, Fight Club and Gone Girl, the picture boasts an impressive cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr., amongst others.
Robert Downey Jr. stars in Zodiac (Image: PARAMOUNT)
Zodiac explores the all-consuming obsession with bringing the killer to justice and has garnered widespread praise from viewers on IMDb.
One glowing 10/10 review declared the film a “class act”, with the reviewer explaining: “This is an excellent, compelling film for anyone interested in true crime and general detective work.
“As for the depiction of the murders, they are quite shocking in their brief brutality with absolutely no glamorous or excessive lingering shots of the aftermath. This makes them infinitely more real and much more disturbing…”
A second highly rated review stated: “ZODIAC feels like it was made by a perfectionist, everything flows so smoothly. The editing is pinch-perfect.” One audience member expanded on their thoughts: “The acting really is a major pro. ZODIAC may come out at a long time slot but the viewer will never realise it because of the film pulling one in, and not wanting to leave until the case is solved.
Zodiac remains one of America’s most intriguing serial killer cases (Image: PARAMOUNT)
“That is why ZODIAC is fantastic and a great welcome back gift from Fincher to not only his fans, but to everyone.”
In a glowing 9/10 star review, one viewer wrote: “Terrific movie. Based on the wonderful novel, this film brilliantly tells the story of the unknown Zodiac killer, who operated in the late 60’s and early 70’s. It really is a brilliant movie, I would recommend it highly. 9/10.”
A further reviewer also awarded 9/10, commenting: “The best thing about Zodiac is its atmosphere, it is really quite chilling and affecting.
“Equally impressive is the story, it is a very intriguing one and told very cleverly as it probes the limits of knowledge and evidence with startling power.”
The case continues to rank amongst America’s greatest unsolved mysteries.
Zodiac is streaming on Prime Video
