Copycat (1995)

[5]

Sigourney Weaver plays an agoraphobic expert on serial killers summoned to help a San Francisco detective played by Holly Hunter when a murderer starts imitating serial killers of the past. The two phenomenal stars of Copycat are its greatest attributes. Weaver’s part is a terrified paranoid — a little one-note, but certainly within her wheelhouse. Hunter gives the more remarkable performance, giving nuance and added depth to a seasoned cop who might otherwise feel underwritten if played by another actor.

Unfortunately, Copycat isn’t half as thrilling or terrifying as Se7en, a superior serial killer story released the same year. Director Jon Amiel (Entrapment, The Core) hits a dramatic plateau early on, downplaying almost every opportunity for action and suspense. And remember the old adage, behind every great hero is a great villain? The villain here is kept in the shadows for far too long, and once revealed, isn’t memorable. With Dermot Mulroney, Will Patton, William McNamara, and Harry Connick Jr.