Robert Pattinson’s primetime shines at Venice.

Lance Oppenheim’s A24 drama earns thunderous applause.

Robert Pattinson’s latest project, Primetime, made a powerful debut at the Venice Film Festival, drawing a near eight‑minute standing ovation inside the iconic Sala Grande theatre. Directed by Lance Oppenheim, the A24 production quickly became one of the most talked‑about premieres of the festival’s opening weekend.

In the film, Pattinson steps into the role of Chris Hansen, the controversial host of To Catch a Predator. The drama, loosely adapted from an Esquire article by Luke Dittrich and scripted by first‑time writer Ajon Singh, explores the most turbulent year of Hansen’s tenure. Oppenheim’s vision was to craft what he calls an “institutional portrait” of the show at its peak, examining the ambitions and conflicts of journalists, producers, and dreamers caught in its orbit.

The premiere was attended by a star‑studded audience, including filmmakers Ari Aster, Chloe Zhao, Mona Frestad, and actor Amanda Seyfried, who slipped into the theatre just before the lights dimmed. Their presence added to the electric atmosphere, which erupted into chants of “Lance! Lance!” in support of Oppenheim. Later, the crowd turned its attention to Phoebe Bridgers, who stars alongside Pattinson and was also celebrated with chants of her name. Bridgers had recently collaborated with Oppenheim on her music video Lost Boys, further cementing their creative partnership.

The cast, featuring Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Bridgers, and Bokeem Woodbine, joined Pattinson and Oppenheim on stage to soak in the ovation. Pattinson shared a tender moment with his partner, Suki Waterhouse, who cheered enthusiastically throughout the screening. Just before the applause began, the actor turned to greet her with a kiss, a gesture that drew warm attention from the audience.

Oppenheim’s statement for Venice emphasized his interest in revisiting the media culture of the early 2000s, a time when a primetime slot carried immense weight. He described the film as a study of ambition converging into crisis, reflecting on how television once shaped public perception in ways that felt urgent and consequential.

With its blend of sharp storytelling, a compelling ensemble, and Pattinson’s commanding performance, Primetime has positioned itself as one of the festival’s standout entries. The extended ovation underscored the film’s impact and signalled Oppenheim’s arrival as a bold voice in contemporary cinema.