The action movie “Cult Killer” featuring Antonio Banderas as investigator Mikael Tallini has become a top streaming hit on Hulu. Directed by Jon Keeyes, the movie also stars Alice Eve, Shelley Hennig, Olwen Fouere, Paul Reid, Kim DeLonghi, Nick Dunning, and Matthew Tompkins. The screenplay was written by Charles Burnley, and the production involved Conor Barry, Shanan Becker, Jordan Beckerman, Stephen Braun, and Richard Bolger. After a limited theatrical release in January, it became available on Hulu earlier this month.
Several members of the cast of “Cult Killer” have previously collaborated with director Jon Keeyes, including Banderas, who had a lead role in “Code Name Banshee.” Recently, “Cult Killer” has experienced a surge in popularity, reaching the top of Hulu’s charts. While it currently holds the third spot on the platform’s daily Top 15 list, it has emerged as the highest-ranked movie, surpassing well-known titles such as “White Chicks,” “Bad Boys for Life,” and “Just Go With It.”
In the riveting action film “Cult Killer,” veteran star Banderas delivers a compelling performance alongside Eve, who portrays the determined young private investigator, Cassie Holt. Together, they delve into a string of chilling murders and embark on a relentless pursuit of a cunning serial killer. As the plot unfolds, Mikael and Cassie unearth a series of dark and harrowing clues, exposing the perilous threat posed by a killer who strikes in broad daylight.
Despite garnering considerable success on Hulu, “Cult Killer” failed to impress critics, receiving a lukewarm 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 12 critics. The film was criticized for its lack of suspense, plot holes, excessive use of flashbacks, and subpar screenplay. On top of that, the audience response mirrored the critical reception, giving the movie a mere 30% rating from over 50 reviews. Regrettably, “Cult Killer” did not capture the attention of a substantial audience during its initial release.
The psychological thrillers available on Hulu offer a captivating and thought-provoking experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. One recent standout on Hulu is “Cult Killer,” which initially received a lukewarm reception. However, the renewed attention it’s receiving on Hulu is breathing new life into the film. This resurgence is particularly beneficial for the career of Antonio Banderas, who has faced criticism for his recent film releases, such as “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and the poorly received 2022 film “The Enforcer.” “Cult Killer” mainly features a cast of relatively unknown actors besides Banderas, which may have contributed to its initial lack of recognition. Nevertheless, the film is now getting a well-deserved second chance as it gains traction on Hulu.
