Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Main Plot

"Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile," directed by Joe Berlinger, explores the infamous story of Ted Bundy, focusing on his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Liz. The film delves into the psychological manipulation and charm Bundy used to maintain his facade of innocence despite being accused of heinous crimes. The narrative unfolds through Liz's perspective, highlighting her internal struggle as she grapples with the growing evidence against Bundy and her emotional attachment to him. Key events include Bundy's arrest, his subsequent trials, and his audacious courtroom antics, which captivated the media and public. The film portrays the legal proceedings and Bundy's attempts to maintain his innocence, showcasing his charisma and intelligence. As the story progresses, the tension builds around the question of Bundy's guilt, culminating in a dramatic courtroom climax. Themes of deception, manipulation, and the duality of human nature are central to the film. It examines the impact of Bundy's crimes on those around him, particularly Liz, and the broader societal fascination with his case. The film ultimately offers a chilling look at the complexities of evil and the challenges of confronting uncomfortable truths.

Characters

• Lily Collins plays Liz Kendall, Ted Bundy's longtime girlfriend, who struggles with suspicions and emotional turmoil as she gradually realizes his true nature.
• Zac Efron plays Ted Bundy, a charming yet manipulative serial killer, whose trial and relationship with Liz Kendall are central to the plot.
• Angela Sarafyan plays Joanna, a close friend of Liz. She provides emotional support and helps Liz navigate her tumultuous relationship with Ted Bundy.

Ending Explained

In the film's conclusion, Ted Bundy is on trial for the Chi Omega sorority murders. Despite his charm and intelligence, the evidence against him is overwhelming. The courtroom scenes are intense, highlighting Bundy's manipulative nature as he acts as his own defense attorney. The turning point comes when his former girlfriend, Liz Kendall, visits him in prison. Throughout the film, Liz struggles with the realization of Bundy's true nature, torn between love and horror. In a pivotal moment, Liz confronts Bundy, demanding the truth about the murders. She shows him a photograph of a decapitated victim, asking him to reveal where the victim's head is. Bundy, initially evasive, finally admits his guilt by writing the word 'hacksaw' on the glass partition, indicating the tool he used. This confession is significant as it marks the first time Bundy directly acknowledges his crimes to Liz, shattering any remaining illusions she held. The film ends with Bundy being sentenced to death, with the judge acknowledging his intelligence but condemning his actions as 'extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile.' This verdict underscores the gravity of his crimes and the impact on the victims' families. The closing scenes reflect on Liz's emotional journey, as she begins to heal from the trauma of her relationship with Bundy.