Latest news with #Copycat
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix just added an intense psychological thriller movie with Sigourney Weaver — and it's already crashed the top 10
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Even though Netflix releases its lineup for each month, the streaming service occasionally adds movies not originally on the schedule, which can be easy to miss. In this case, 'Copycat' landed on Netflix U.S. on June 15, but thankfully, it didn't go unnoticed because it's already cracked the top 10 list by hopping into the tenth spot. I'm not surprised people jumped on 'Copycat' since it has all the ingredients subscribers often look for: big stars like Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter and Dermot Mulroney, and a chilling serial killer story that might just get under your skin. Originally released in 1995, 'Copycat' didn't make a huge splash at the box office, but over time it's become something of a hidden gem among thriller fans. Its psychological tension and strong performances has helped it build a quiet cult following over the years. This psychological thriller follows a criminal psychologist struggling with agoraphobia after a traumatic attack, who teams up with a detective to catch a serial killer replicating the methods of infamous murderers. While plot isn't the most original, the movie still makes for a gripping watch, and one that gets your adrenaline pumping if you choose to see it alone. If you've scrolled through Netflix today and noticed 'Copycat' suddenly appear in the top 10 list, here's everything you need to know before adding it to your watchlist. 'Copycat' follows Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver), a renowned criminal psychologist who becomes a recluse after surviving a traumatic attack by a deranged killer. Now agoraphobic and living in isolation, Helen is reluctantly pulled back into the world of crime-solving when a new serial killer begins targeting victims in San Francisco, each murder eerily mimicking the methods of infamous real-life murderers. Assigned to the case are Detective M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney), who turn to Helen for insight as the killings escalate. Despite her crippling fear of the outside world, Helen uses her expertise to identify the pattern behind the copycat killings. As the investigation intensifies, she and M.J. form an unlikely bond, working together to stay one step ahead of the killer, who seems to be watching Helen more closely than anyone realizes. 'The Silence of the Lambs' wasn't the very first Hollywood movie about serial killers, but its massive critical and box office success sparked a wave of similar movies that dominated the '90s before eventually fading out. One of these copycats is ... well, Jon Amiel's 1995 thriller 'Copycat.' While it might not surpass 'Silence of the Lambs' or even Brad Pitt's 'Seven,' it's still a pretty intense watch and makes for some chilling midnight viewing. It's refreshing to watch a thriller that centers on two smart, strong women, and even better that they're brought to life by Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver, two powerhouse actresses of their generation. There's real substance behind both characters, which helps 'Copycat' rise above just being another serial killer movie. 'Copycat' is very much a psychological study, taking time to explore the human side of its characters. Dr. Helen Hudson is dealing with some serious trauma and can't bring herself to leave the house, while Detective M.J. Monahan is driven by a strong commitment to solving the case and stopping the serial killer terrorizing the city. Without this character development, 'Copycat' would feel hollow in the landscape of serial killer thrillers. Director Amiel, known for the unique and highly praised 1986 BBC series 'The Singing Detective,' shows his expertise here by keeping the story tightly focused. The movie hardly ever wanders off track, always pushing the plot forward while keeping the tension just strong enough to stay gripping. Like classic studio movies that carefully balanced what the audience needed to know, this movie reveals just enough information to save you from feeling lost. While 'Copycat' definitely has its strengths, there are a few noticeable flaws. The whole idea of a killer copying famous murderers felt a little predictable at times, and you might find yourself guessing where the story was headed a bit too early. In some ways it shares too many similarities with 'Seven' for this reason. Outside of the two strong leads, most of the supporting cast doesn't get much time to be explored, which makes the world around them feel a little thin. I'm sure Netflix viewers will still enjoy 'Copycat' (and I think it's worthy of your time even with these flaws). Movies have long been drawn to exploring evil, and I think part of that comes from how our own fears tend to fuel our interest. You don't need to take my word for it either, since 'Copycat' has a solid rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it slightly lower at 64%. The site's critic consensus reads: 'Copycat's outstanding cast helps this often unpleasant thriller transcend the less palatable elements of its standard-issue story.' Minneapolis Star Tribune's Jeff Strickler said: 'Although the plotting of this mystery-thriller about a copycat killer is flawed, Hunter and Weaver drive the show with strong performances.' Meanwhile, Trace Thurman from Horror Queers Podcast shared the same thoughts, stating that 'Weaver and Hunter are at the top of their game, elevating what is essentially a 2-hour episode of a CBS crime procedural into high art.' So if you were going to take anything away from these reviews, it's that 'Copycat' is worth watching for the performances alone. If you haven't already added 'Copycat' to your Netflix watchlist, now's the time. The whole 'killer copying famous murderers' concept isn't exactly new, but this thriller handles it in a surprisingly smart and stylish way. And a big part of why it works so well is, of course, Sigourney Weaver. I already loved her (partly because she stars in my favorite franchise of all time, 'Alien') but she really shines here. I'd argue that 'Copycat' is one of her best roles and a big reason why it's well worth carving out two hours of your time. 'Copycat' is now streaming on Netflix. For more streaming recommendations, see what else is new on Netflix in June 2025. Netflix just got this fantasy action movie with Vin Diesel and Elijah Wood I didn't expect Netflix's new romantic sci-fi movie to be this charming This new on Netflix action-thriller with Gerard Butler soars to No. 1 spot
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
One of Netflix's Most-Watched Movies Right Now Is This Underrated 1995 Thriller
Thrillers are more popular than ever. Just look at the top-ranked movies streaming on Netflix any given week, and you'll find at least one of them hovering near the top. It's not hard to understand why — just like riding a rollercoaster, we like to put ourselves in a simulation of danger without facing any real consequences. This week is new, but already, Netflix has a new thriller on its most popular movies list. (Well, it's not really new — it was actually released 30 years ago.) Copycat, a suspense movie about a serial killer mimicking the crimes of past infamous murderers, stands the test of time. It hasn't dated one bit, and it could be released today with minimal changes and still make sense. Copycat is a favorite film here at Watch With Us, and we're sharing a few reasons why you should put it on your Netflix queue right now. Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) is a world-renowned criminal psychologist who specializes in profiling serial killers. Like Wolverine, she's the best there is at what she does, but she's been forced into early retirement by a past attack by a deranged fan, Daryll Lee Cullum (Harry Connick Jr.). You can't blame her — Daryll Lee killed two police officers in front of her before almost killing her. 10 Greatest Thrillers of the 1990s, Ranked Don't cry too hard for Helen — she's spending her time in her palatial San Francisco home playing chess with strangers online and barely managing a severe case of PTSD and agoraphobia with a steady diet of pills and liquor. Her brilliant mind isn't idle, though — she can't help but notice that a recent string of murders is all connected due to their eerie — and deliberate — similarities to the Boston Strangler's crimes twenty years ago. Her observations soon grab the attention of two detectives, M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney). Together, they try to solve the mystery of this copycat killer as he or she claims other victims while mimicking other famous murderers like Son of Sam and Jeffrey Dahmer. We've seen plenty of serial killer movies before. In 1995 alone, there was an avalanche of them, with David Fincher's Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman being the most successful and critically acclaimed. But Copycat one-ups its peers by being a thriller about serial killers — what drives them, how they execute their crimes and why we're so fascinated with them. Copycat uses an entertaining premise to subtly point a finger at the audience. Why is it enjoyable to watch people get killed? And why do we get a kick out of watching detectives try to figure out the mystery before they, too, are threatened? Copycat also subverts convention by being a thriller where the reveal of the killer doesn't really matter. This isn't an Agatha Christie mystery where learning the killer's identity is the climax of the movie. Instead, Copycat divulges who the killer is around the midpoint of the film without much fanfare. Toward the end, you realize the killer's always been there, lurking in the background and watching the police try to catch someone who is in the same room with them. It's an ingenious move on the part of the writers, Ann Biderman and David Madsen, to not only show who the killer is but to get us closer to them once we know who they are. We get to see up close how they operate and how little value they hold for human life. That's what makes Copycat so effective — it gives a human face to evil and makes us watch helplessly as they do despicable things to innocent people. Thrillers rely on their scores more than most other genres, and Copycat's music is top-notch. Composed by Christopher Young, the score immediately sets the mood in the opening credits, suggesting a plunge into danger that won't let up for another two hours. Later on, when various people are running from and to the killer, Young pumps up his score, giving the action on screen an increased urgency and desperation. The music itself is scary — it suggests you're the one being chased instead of just watching a chase unfold. Watch the opening scene in the above clip and hear how Young uses volume to give pacing and depth when Helen is first attacked in a woman's bathroom, then held prisoner as her life literally hangs by a thread. It's a masterful use of music, and it makes Copycat better because of it. What makes Copycat worth watching, both in 1995 and 2025, is the two lead performances by Weaver and Hunter. As Helen, Weaver isn't afraid to make her academic a bit of an asshole. She's cranky, rude and a bit smug, and she resents being dragged into the serial killer business even though that's what she's best at doing. Weaver doesn't make her entirely unlikeable, though. There's just enough vulnerability there to understand why Helen behaves like she does and why catching this killer is just part of an endless cycle of violence she's a part of — and has profited from in the past. After all, what do you think paid for that gorgeous San Francisco home, anyway? Hunter's M.J. is more sympathetic, since we see her struggling to be heard and taken seriously in a profession dominated by men who don't take her seriously due to her size. (Holly Hunter's height is 5'2'.) It's not unlike what Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling had to endure in The Silence of the Lambs, but Hunter's M.J. is tougher and more persistent — she shrugs off being made the butt of a joke at work because she has a killer to catch. 11 Must-Watch Thrillers on Netflix Right Now (May 2025) What's fascinating about Copycat is that the movie doesn't make its two female characters like each other. There are no phony scenes of them bonding or getting to know one another — they're strictly coworkers, at least for the moment, and they have a job to do. They get on each other's nerves and don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, but their main goals are the same — find the killer and stay alive. Copycat can be deep, but it's first and foremost a slick, entertaining thriller that delivers the goods. The violence is disturbing for all the right reasons, and the acting, directing and production values can't be beat. It's a great thriller to watch on a summer's eve when it gets just dark enough to make you wonder what's lurking in those shadows. Copycat is now streaming on Netflix.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix just added a psychological thriller movie full of surprising twists — and it's one of Sigourney Weaver's best roles
Even though Netflix releases its lineup for each month, the streaming service occasionally adds movies not originally on the schedule, which can be easy to miss. In this case, 'Copycat' landed on Netflix U.S. on June 15, but thankfully, it didn't go unnoticed because it's already cracked the top 10 list. I'm not surprised people jumped on 'Copycat' since it has all the ingredients subscribers often look for: big stars like Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter and Dermot Mulroney, and a chilling serial killer story that might just get under your skin. This psychological thriller follows a criminal psychologist struggling with agoraphobia after a traumatic attack, who teams up with a detective to catch a serial killer replicating the methods of infamous murderers. While plot isn't the most original, the movie still makes for a gripping watch, and one that gets your adrenaline pumping. If you've scrolled through Netflix today and noticed 'Copycat' in the top 10, here's everything you need to know before adding it to your watchlist. 'Copycat' follows Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver), a renowned criminal psychologist who becomes a recluse after surviving a traumatic attack by a deranged killer. Now agoraphobic and living in isolation, Helen is reluctantly pulled back into the world of crime-solving when a new serial killer begins targeting victims in San Francisco, each murder eerily mimicking the methods of infamous real-life murderers. Assigned to the case are Detective M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her partner Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney), who turn to Helen for insight as the killings escalate. Despite her crippling fear of the outside world, Helen uses her expertise to identify the pattern behind the copycat killings. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As the investigation intensifies, she and M.J. form an unlikely bond, working together to stay one step ahead of the killer, who seems to be watching Helen more closely than anyone realizes. 'The Silence of the Lambs' wasn't the very first Hollywood movie about serial killers, but its massive critical and box office success sparked a wave of similar movies that dominated the '90s before eventually fading out. One of these copycats is ... well, Jon Amiel's 1995 thriller 'Copycat.' While it might not surpass 'Silence of the Lambs' or even Brad Pitt's 'Seven,' it's still a pretty intense watch and makes for some chilling midnight viewing. It's refreshing to watch a thriller that centers on two smart, strong women, and even better that they're brought to life by Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver, two powerhouse actresses of their generation. There's real substance behind both characters, which helps 'Copycat' rise above just being another serial killer movie. 'Copycat' is very much a psychological study, taking time to explore the human side of its characters. Dr. Helen Hudson is dealing with some serious trauma and can't bring herself to leave the house, while Detective M.J. Monahan is driven by a strong commitment to solving the case and stopping the serial killer terrorizing the city. Without this character development, 'Copycat' would feel hollow in the landscape of serial killer thrillers. Director Amiel, known for the unique and highly praised 1986 BBC series 'The Singing Detective,' shows his expertise here by keeping the story tightly focused. The movie hardly ever wanders off track, always pushing the plot forward while keeping the tension just strong enough to stay gripping. Like classic studio movies that carefully balanced what the audience needed to know, this movie reveals just enough information to save you from feeling lost. While 'Copycat' definitely has its strengths, there are a few noticeable flaws. The whole idea of a killer copying famous murderers felt a little predictable at times, and you might find yourself guessing where the story was headed a bit too early. In some ways it shares too many similarities with 'Seven' for this reason. Outside of the two strong leads, most of the supporting cast doesn't get much time to be explored, which makes the world around them feel a little thin. I'm sure Netflix viewers will still enjoy 'Copycat' (and I think it's worthy of your time even with these flaws). Movies have long been drawn to exploring evil, and I think part of that comes from how our own fears tend to fuel our interest. If you haven't already added 'Copycat' to your Netflix watchlist, now's the time. The whole 'killer copying famous murderers' concept isn't exactly new, but this thriller handles it in a surprisingly smart and stylish way. And a big part of why it works so well is, of course, Sigourney Weaver. I already loved her (partly because she stars in my favorite franchise of all time, 'Alien') but she really shines here. I'd argue that 'Copycat' is one of her best roles and a big reason why it's well worth carving out two hours of your time. You don't need to take my word for it either, since 'Copycat' has a solid rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences rating it slightly lower at 64%. The site's critic consensus reads: 'Copycat's outstanding cast helps this often unpleasant thriller transcend the less palatable elements of its standard-issue story.' 'Copycat' is now streaming on Netflix. For more streaming recommendations, see what else is new on Netflix in June 2025.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
One of the 'best' psychological thrillers of the 90s added to Netflix
An 'outstanding' psychological thriller with a stellar cast has been added to Netflix just in time for its 20th anniversary. Copycat, released in 1995, follows Dr Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver), who has become agorophobic after being attacked by the deeply deranged Daryll Lee Cullum (Harry Connick Jr). But she must face her fears when approached by police officers M. J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and Reuben Goetz (Dermot Mulroney) as they believe a copycat killer is on the loose, and Dr Hudson is their best hope of catching them. Copycat proved a moderate box office success at the time of its release, but it really took off on the video rental market, becoming the 11th most-rented film in the US for 1996. It has been dubbed one of the 'best' psychological thrillers of the 90s, and currently holds a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. The critics' consensus reads: 'Copycat's outstanding cast helps this often unpleasant thriller transcend the less palatable elements of its standard-issue story.' 'For anyone who likes to stoke adrenaline with anxiety, Copycat delivers the goods,' Newsweek said in their review. Variety wrote: 'What the world would not seem to need right now is yet another serial killer thriller, but Copycat has both the smarts and the tension to rate as a potent entry in the overworked genre.' The Chicago Sun Times said: 'Copycat doesn't have the dark tones of Seven, or that movie's distinctive look. But in its own way, it is as effective. It creates original characters and makes them more important than the plot. We care, and that's the key.' Entertainment Weekly added: 'The violence in Copycat is going to freak out fans of Hunter and Weaver, but then, the movie's emotional depth is going to shock your average slasher-film fan.' The Horror Queers Podcast surmised in a retrospective review: 'Weaver and Hunter are at the top of their game, elevating what is essentially a 2-hour episode of a CBS crime procedural into high art.' Speaking on SiriusXM last year, Connick Jr, who played the film's infamous psychopath, revealed he only met Alien icon Weaver at Copycat's premiere after she allegedly avoided him on set. 'Sigourney Weaver, she's so unbelievable. She wouldn't talk to me,' he recalled. 'I didn't meet her till the premiere. She would not— every time I came around, she went the other way. She was like, 'I don't want to be around that guy!'' He joked: 'I remembered what it was like to be in high school.' More Trending In an interview at the time of the film's release, Weaver said she was often a 'basket case' while filming such dark subject material. 'It took a lot out of me, I think. A great thing happened, which was I met a wonderful karate teacher in San Francisco. Every night, even if we ended at like 9:30, I would meet with him for an hour and I'd practice kicks and everything,' she said. 'I don't think I could've gotten through without it because it was very centering, and I think it also took me out of that victim frame of mind.' Copycat is available to stream on Netflix . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Most 'unpredictable' horror movie of the decade is now streaming on Netflix MORE: The 7 best 'explosive' Australian thrillers free to watch in UK MORE: Squid Game boss confirms mind-blowing spin-off idea that has to happen
Metro
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
‘Underrated' 90s thriller compared to Criminal Minds is coming to Netflix
A 90s thriller that was branded 'utterly unmissable' is finally being added to Netflix in just a few days. Copycat was released in October 1995, and followed agoraphobic criminal psychologist Dr Helen Hudson who offers to help police officers investigate a string of murders inspired by notorious serial killers. However, things take a turn when she realizes that the murderer is stalking her, basing his killings on a lecture she once gave. Sigourney Weaver led an all-star cast as Dr Helen, alongside Dermot Mulroney, Harry Connick Jr and Holly Hunter, with Jon Amiel serving as director. Nearly 30 years on from the premiere, the psychological flick is now coming to Netflix on Sunday, June 15, perfect for the next movie night. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Copycat currently commands an impressive critics Rotten Tomatoes score of 76%, compared to a slightly less ranking of 64% from the audience. Fans have been raving about the film on the platform, as Gabe R penned: 'Copycat's extremely intelligent twists and plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the amazing cast and score makes the movie even better.' 'If you like Criminal Minds you will love this movie,' an anonymous reviewer insisted. Ulli M penned: 'An underrated 90's thriller, great cast and score. As Alan P added: 'Utterly unmissable serial killer thriller with two of the finest actresses ever.. whilst the subject might not be for everyone, the way it's told is supremely entertaining and the end result is nothing short of magnificent.' Sigourney won praise for her efforts as a murder expert who became agoraphobic after an attack, but overcame her battles to help track down a gruesome serial killer. However, she previously shed light on how filming such a tough role took a huge toll on her life, claiming that she was 'often a basket case' during production. Last year, Harry – who starred as the vile murderer – unpacked his time on set and shared that the actress actually avoided him on set. 'Sigourney Weaver, she's so unbelievable. She wouldn't talk to me,' he recalled during an appearance on SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show with Julia Cunningham. More Trending 'I didn't meet her till the premiere. She would not— every time I came around, she went the other way. She was like, 'I don't want to be around that guy!' 'I remembered what it was like to be in high school.' Copycat will be available to stream on Netflix from June 15. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix drops 8 new episodes of action series that left fans 'thirsting for more' MORE: Bridgerton star fights off prolific phone thief as crowds watch on MORE: 'Raw' thriller with unbelievable twist shoots to the top of Netflix chart
