Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile 2019
Directed by
Joe Berlinger
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
In 1969 Seattle, law student Ted Bundy crosses paths with Liz Kendall, a college student and single mother employed as a secretary. Their relationship starts with a playful moment as Ted plays a song on the jukebox, leading to an intimate home visit. The next morning, Liz is surprised to find Ted bonding with her daughter, Molly. As their romance develops, Ted becomes a figure in their lives, driving a distinctive Volkswagen Beetle.
However, the atmosphere darkens in 1974 as news breaks about the disappearance of several young women, including Janice Ott and Denise Naslund at Lake Sammamish. Witnesses claim a man resembling Ted, sporting a cast on his arm, had approached women for assistance with his sailboat. Following an arrest in 1975, Ted’s possessions reveal unsettling items like trash bags, a crowbar, and ropes—setting the stage for a gripping courtroom drama.
Among those testifying against him is Carol DaRonch, who identifies Ted as her kidnapper during a police lineup. In a twist, Ted hires John O’Connell to represent him, who manages to lower his bail, allowing him to return to Liz—who is distraught after reading articles about Ted’s criminal activities. Though engaged, the cracks in their relationship begin to show when Ted claims he is being setup, insisting that Carol was shown his photo before the lineup.
As Ted’s legal troubles escalate, evidence mounts against him, including the trauma he faces from inmates due to his crimes. A detective, Mike Fisher, reaches out to both Ted and Liz to unearth the truth behind the murders. When Colorado charges him for the murder of Caryn Campbell, Liz struggles with her loyalty, though she continues to grapple with reality as Ted’s situation worsens.
During the trial, Liz cannot bring herself to attend, and Ted’s decision to represent himself grants him a brief period of freedom when he escapes from the courthouse, only to be recaptured. As the story twists and turns, Ted’s violent escapes lead to further tragic events, including the brutal murders of sorority girls in Florida. With each incident, he becomes more of a figure of fascination—capturing the attention of several women, including Carole Ann Boone, who believes in his innocence.
Despite various plea bargains and mounting physical evidence—a match between his teeth and bite marks on victims—Ted continues to deny his guilt, even as he and Carole Ann grow closer and marry while he remains incarcerated. The courtroom sees swift justice, as the jury hands down multiple life sentences and a death penalty ruling, promptly imposing execution by electrocution.
In the ensuing years, Liz receives a disturbing letter from Ted, compelling her to confront him directly. When she finally visits the prison, a chilling admission comes to light as he recounts horrifying details of his actions—leading to a vengeful acknowledgment of his crimes.
As the film concludes, we absorb haunting images—archival footage reveals Ted’s execution in January 1989, along with the somber recounting of his victims. Ultimately, Liz and Molly continue their lives in Washington State, while Ted’s legacy of horror leaves a grim mark. The final moments feature images of the emotional toll the case wielded over Liz, showcasing the enduring scars from a love affair tainted by darkness and despair.
Timeline
Ted Meets Liz
In 1969 Seattle, law student Ted Bundy first encounters Liz Kendall at a local bar. Their meeting begins with a playful exchange at the jukebox, hinting at the intimate connection they are about to form.
Ted Bonds with Molly
After their first night together, Liz is astonished to see Ted comfortably bonding with her young daughter, Molly. This moment strengthens Ted's foothold in Liz's life as he becomes a father figure in their home.
Disappearance of Young Women
In 1974, the atmosphere turns sinister as reports emerge concerning the disappearances of young women, including Janice Ott and Denise Naslund. Witnesses describe a man fitting Ted's description, raising alarm bells in the community.
Ted's Arrest
Following mounting evidence, Ted Bundy is arrested in 1975. Investigators find alarming items in his possession, including trash bags and a crowbar, casting a dark shadow over his character and leading to a sensational courtroom drama.
Carol DaRonch Testifies
Ted's world continues to crumble as Carol DaRonch identifies him as her kidnapper during a police lineup. This testimony is pivotal, adding weight to the growing case against him and the evidence of his heinous activities.
Ted's Defense
Despite being accused of multiple crimes, Ted chooses to represent himself in court, which gives him brief moments of freedom. However, this choice further strains his already fragile relationship with Liz, who is grappling with the horrors of his actions.
Amidst Legal Troubles
As Ted's legal troubles mount, a detective named Mike Fisher reaches out to both him and Liz to get to the crux of the murder cases. Liz faces a moral dilemma, torn between her loyalty to Ted and the unsettling reality of his alleged crimes.
Trial and Escape
During the trial, Liz struggles to attend, while Ted’s decision to represent himself leads to a dramatic courthouse escape. This moment of freedom is short-lived as he is soon recaptured, highlighting the desperation of his situation.
Murders in Florida
As Ted continues to evade law enforcement, he is linked to a series of brutal murders of sorority girls in Florida. His horrifying actions cement his notoriety, attracting unwanted attention from women who still believe in his innocence.
Building a Relationship in Prison
Amid the chaos, Ted begins to form a close bond with Carole Ann Boone, leading to their marriage while he remains incarcerated. This relationship signifies a bizarre intersection of love and horror, showcasing the complexities of his manipulative nature.
Courtroom Verdict
In a shocking turn of events, the court delivers swift justice, handing Ted multiple life sentences along with a death penalty ruling. This moment marks the culmination of a devastating chapter in his and the victims' lives, leaving many in disbelief.
Liz Confronts Ted
Years later, Liz receives a haunting letter from Ted that compels her to confront him in prison. During this visit, she hears chilling details of his murders, forcing her to grapple with the reality of the man she once loved.
Ted's Execution
The film climaxes with Ted's execution in January 1989, depicted through haunting archival footage. This grim event serves as a haunting conclusion to the chaos and terror he inflicted upon countless lives.
Aftermath for Liz and Molly
Following Ted's execution, Liz and her daughter Molly strive to rebuild their lives in Washington State. The emotional scars from their tumultuous relationship with Ted remain, illustrating the lasting impact of his horrific legacy.
Characters
Ted Bundy (Zac Efron)
Ted Bundy is portrayed as a charming yet deeply disturbed individual whose charismatic facade hides a monstrous reality. As the film progresses, his manipulation becomes evident, enchantingly luring Liz and others into his web of deceit while perpetrating heinous crimes. Ted embodies the duality of human nature, showing how someone can appear normal and engaging yet be capable of unimaginable evil.
Liz Kendall (Lily Collins)
Liz Kendall is depicted as a strong yet vulnerable woman who falls for Ted Bundy's charm while gradually confronting the horrifying truths about his nature. Her character reflects the inner turmoil of a loving partner caught in a web of confusion and denial, ultimately leading to her painful realization of Ted’s true self. Liz embodies resilience, showcasing the struggle of a mother torn between her affections and the desperate need to protect her child.
John O'Connell (Jeffrey Donovan)
John O'Connell serves as Ted Bundy's defense attorney, navigating the treacherous waters of a highly publicized case. His character showcases the ethical dilemmas lawyers face when defending clients accused of heinous acts, as he attempts to protect Ted while grappling with the severe implications of his crimes. John represents the complexity of the legal system, often caught in moral conflicts amidst the pursuit of justice.
Setting
Time period
1969-1989
The film spans from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a period marked by significant societal changes and the rise of crime awareness in America. During this time, Ted Bundy's crimes shocked the nation, revealing deep-seated issues regarding violence against women and criminal justice. The courtroom dramas and the eventual realization of his guilt highlight a turning point in public consciousness surrounding serial crimes, ultimately leading to his execution in January 1989.
Location
Seattle, Lake Sammamish, Colorado, Florida, Washington State
Seattle serves as the backdrop for the early romance between Ted Bundy and Liz Kendall, a picturesque city known for its vibrant culture and rainy weather. Lake Sammamish becomes a foreboding landmark linked to the disappearance of several young women, casting a shadow over its serene landscape. The various locations, including the courtroom in Colorado and the eventual tragedy in Florida, reflect the shifting nature of Ted's heinous actions and the impact on Liz's life, culminating in their residence in Washington State, where she seeks to rebuild in the wake of trauma.
Themes
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Love and Betrayal
The film explores the complex dynamics of love intertwined with betrayal, as Liz Kendall grapples with her affections for Ted Bundy amid escalating evidence of his heinous crimes. Her journey reflects the pain of loving someone who conceals a dark side, creating a haunting tension between passion and moral clarity. Ultimately, this theme encapsulates the enduring emotional scars left by their relationship and the struggle to reconcile love with betrayal.
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Justice and Injustice
The courtroom proceedings serve as a central theme, showcasing the pursuit of justice in a system often riddled with complexities and failures. Ted Bundy’s ability to manipulate both legal boundaries and public perception challenges the notion of justice, raising questions about the effectiveness of the system when confronted with such a perpetrator. The stark contrast between his denial of guilt and the overwhelming evidence against him emphasizes the theme of justice seeking to confront the darkest of human actions.
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Motherhood
Liz's role as a single mother profoundly impacts her decisions throughout the narrative, representing the struggles of balancing love, responsibility, and the need for safety. The presence of her daughter, Molly, highlights the innocence threatened by Ted's dark world, as Liz's protective instincts clash with her desire for love. This theme underscores maternal sacrifice and the lengths to which a mother will go to shield her child from harm.
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