Movie Review: “To Catch a Killer” a Tense Thriller with a Compelling Female Lead

"To Catch a Killer" is a tense thriller that occasionally feels formulaic, relying on familiar tropes and plot devices seen in similar crime thrillers, but does benefit from a strong performance from Shailene Woodley.

Movies have always served as a medium for the exploration of societal matters, and the depiction of female law enforcement officers has emerged as a notable subject. From intense crime stories to suspenseful films such as "Black and Blue" and "Mary J. Blige's horror thriller Body Cam," movies featuring women in law enforcement roles have shined light on their triumphs and the challenges they face in a male-dominated profession.

"To Catch a Killer" is a 2023 American crime thriller that continues this trend. Directed by Damián Szifron and written by Jonathan Wakeham, To Catch a Killer stars Shailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, Jovan Adepo, and Ralph Ineson.

This film marks the Argentinian Director’s English-language debut. The movie dives into the world of a talented but troubled young Baltimore cop. Released on April 21, 2023, by Vertical Entertainment, "To Catch a Killer" has received mixed reviews from critics. The UK Times Called it “Moody and messy,“ while Roger Elbert said that “Its ambition overwhelms its abilities.” The film, nonetheless, delivers a tense and gripping story with a strong performance from Woodley.

A troubled young cop‘s mission to track down a serial killer

The movie’s plot revolves around Eleanor, a young and troubled officer of the Baltimore Police Department. Haunted by her past, she’s recruited by Lammark, played by Ben Mendelssohn, the FBI's chief investigator, to assist him in profiling and tracking down a serial killer.

This sniper is responsible for a series of mass shootings that created panic in the city. A manhunt ensues, which becomes increasingly challenging because of the killer's unpredictable behavior. Woodley's portrayal of Eleanor is a standout in the film. She convincingly portrays the character's internal struggles. Eleanor's tortured past becomes a key asset in understanding the mind of the killer and potentially bringing him to justice.

Shailene Woodley’s standout performance

Woodley's performance captures the complexities of a female officer who operates in a male-dominated field, highlighting the resilience and determination required to succeed. However, her portrayal as a functioning addict who’s also a police officer is overplayed and only used as a vehicle to dramatize her struggles.

Nonetheless, the gritty cinematography and atmospheric soundtrack effectively create a sense of unease, enhancing the suspenseful nature of the story. Additionally, the supporting cast, including Ben Mendelsohn, Jovan Adepo, and Ralph Ineson, deliver good performances that complement Woodley's compelling lead.

Strengths and weaknesses of the film

"To Catch a Killer" does stumble in certain areas. Some of the twists and turns may be predictable for seasoned viewers, limiting the element of surprise. The film maintains a steady pace throughout, and each scene adds to the tension as the investigation unfolds. In spite of this, sometimes it felt like it was too slow.

Despite its shortcomings, the film manages to maintain its gripping intensity, largely due to the strength of Woodley's performance and the director's effective execution of suspenseful sequences.

A tense and compelling crime thriller

"To Catch a Killer" offers a tense and compelling crime thriller that explores the challenges faced by female police officers in a male-dominated profession. While it may follow a similar theme to other cop thrillers in terms of storytelling and at times feel a little formulaic, Shailene Woodley's performance and the director's execution of suspenseful moments will keep viewers engaged.

“To Catch a Killer“ is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox and DirecTV.