R-Rated Serial Killer True Story Thriller With The Biggest Marvel Stars, Stream Without Netflix
These days, it seems like the biggest genres in Hollywood are either terrifying crime thrillers or Marvel superhero outings, with entrants from each taking home massive returns at the global box office. One 2007 film manages to combine some of the best aspects of both, by loading numerous Marvel mainstays into the cast of a mystery narrative based on a real-life serial killer. The film in question, Zodiac, is currently streaming for free on Pluto TV, offering fans everywhere the opportunity to stream the critically acclaimed film at home.
Zodiac, And The Talent Involved
Zodiac was written by Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Scream 6 scribe James Vanderbilt, and directed by legendary filmmaker David Fincher, based on a pair of nonfiction books titled Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked by Robert Graysmith. Beyond taking on the reigns of the serial killer thrill-fest, Fincher is best known for helming such classics as Fight Club, The Social Network, Gone Girl, and most recently the Netflix original film The Killer. Zodiac’s massive cast of A-list talent includes performances from Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Carroll Lynch, Anthony Edwards, and Succession‘s Brian Cox.
The Marvel Connection Was Purely Coincidental
Zodiac premiered in the Spring of 2007, just a year before Disney’s Marvel Studios would change the landscape of cinema forever with the ambitious release of their interconnected cinematic universe. Looking back, it’s truly fascinating to see the likes of Tony Stark interacting directly with his future Avengers compatriot Bruce Banner, as well as the eventual Spider-Man villain Mysterio.
While Fincher and company obviously had no way of knowing what opportunities were to come in the future for these talented performers, this does provide an extra edge of rewatchability to the movie.
Based On True Events
As its title would suggest, the narrative of Zodiac centers around the journalists and police who searched to unmask the true identity of the mysterious Zodiac Killer, who terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area throughout the 1960s and 1970s, claiming more than five known victims, and leaving behind cryptic and disturbing messages for the authorities.
There’s really not much need for a spoiler warning here, as we still haven’t officially figured out who the Zodiac Killer was in real life. Needless to say, the film never fully unmasks the murderer’s true identity, though it does make a fairly comprehensive argument for a specific individual who fits the profile.
A Certified Fresh Serial Killer Experience
Zodiac saw immediate praise from general audiences and critics alike upon release, resulting in the film touting a 90 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing. It’s easy to see why audiences were enthralled by the mystery, as Fincher’s trademark blend of atmospheric filmmaking, innovative camera blocking, and powerful performances from the main cast combine to create something truly special, much like the Avengers.
Streaming Zodiac
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If you have not yet had the chance to catch Zodiac, or if you’re just long overdue for a rewatch, be sure to pull up the star-studded movie on Pluto TV today. Just be sure to lock your doors and bolt your windows before pressing play, as you never know what strange individuals may be lurking around your neighborhood.
