Disturbing serial killer movie based on unsolved case just dropped on Paramount Plus

If you’re looking for your next horror fix, Paramount Plus has your back by adding a disturbing movie based on a real life serial killer case. 

The start of a new month is always a fun time thanks to the plethora of new movies and TV shows added to the various streaming services.

And let’s not forget all of the library content licensed too, leading to shows like Suits enjoying a new lease of life years after their initial release. 

In the horror realm, Paramount Plus has added a number of flicks to its platform this August, including the 2007 movie Zodiac. 

There are many positives to note when it comes to this film, the first being that it’s helmed by Fight Club and Mindhunter director David Fincher, who injects it with authenticity to the era and a deep sense of dread throughout.

Secondly, it’s based on the real-life and chilling unsolved case of the Zodiac, a serial killer who was responsible for at least five murders in the 1960s.

He was best known for taunting authorities with a series of cryptic ciphers and letters sent to local newspapers, in which he claimed responsibility for his crimes and mocked law enforcement for not being able to catch him. 

Rather than just focusing on the grisly details of the murders, Zodiac centers on the lives of the men who became deeply involved in the search for him, making this a character-driven movie. 

This paves the way for some standout performances from its all-star cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal as political cartoonist Robert Graysmith, Mark Ruffalo as inspector Dave Toschi, and Robert Downey Jr. as crime reporter Paul Avery.

Oh, there’s also Logan Roy star Brian Cox doing his thing as lawyer Melvin Belli.

With all of these factors in mind, it’s no surprise Zodiac has a high score of 90% from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a respectable 77% from audiences. 

Over the years, fans have continued to sing the film’s praises, with one taking to Reddit to say, “When people ask me what my favorite movie is I usually default to Zodiac. 

“I don’t think it’s ‘the best’ but it is my favorite. The acting, the music, the look and feel. I think it’s criminally under-appreciated.”

“Not to mention its historical accuracy was better than most true crime films,” added another, while a third said, “The basement scene sticks with me. I’ve never felt that type of dread in a movie before.”

In the meantime, check out our roundup of the best horror movies ever made, as well as the horrors to get excited about in 2024. You can also find the new true crime docs coming to streaming this month.