Netflix's new hit copycat: Sigourney Weaver's Thriller is a 90s gem worth revisiting.

Netflix occasionally adds Movies without much warning. It is easy to overlook these additional additions. But this was not the case with Copycat. This gripping psychological thriller starring Sigourney Weaver premiered on Netflix U.S. on June 15. It immediately rose to the top ten list. I'm not shocked that people began watching Copycat right away. It contains everything viewers look for. It stars famous names including Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, and Dermot Mulroney. It also features a disturbing serial murderer story that may go under your skin. This film may not have been a tremendous success at the box office when it was released in 1995. However, over time, it has evolved into something exceptional for thriller enthusiasts. Its psychological tension and outstanding acting have helped it gain a silent following over the years.

The plot revolves around a criminal psychologist who is coping with agoraphobia following a horrific attack. She joins forces with a detective to catch a serial killer. This killer is imitating the ways of well-known murders. While the plot is not the most creative, the film is nonetheless compelling. If you choose to watch it alone, it will undoubtedly raise your heart rate. If you've been scrolling through Netflix today and noticed Copycat suddenly appear in the top ten, here's what you should know before adding it to your watchlist. It is a must-see for everyone who enjoys thought-provoking thrillers.

Unpacking The Plot: How Copycat's Story Places Its Smart Female Leads at The Center

Dr. Helen Hudson's Agoraphobia and Detective M.J. Monahan's Search for a Cunning Killer

Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver) is the central character of Copycat. She is a renowned criminal psychologist who lives alone. This occurs after she survives a brutal attack by a maniacal killer. She now suffers from agoraphobia and lives in seclusion. Helen is reluctantly drawn back into the realm of crime. A new serial killer has begun targeting victims in San Francisco. Each murder employs the techniques of well-known real-life murderers. This is disconcerting, to say the least. The case is assigned to Detective M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter) and her partner Reuben Goetz (Dermoney Mulroney). As the killings escalate, they seek Helen's assistance.

Despite her acute fear of the outside world, Helen uses her knowledge to identify the pattern behind the copycat killings. As the investigation becomes more serious, Sarah and M.J. create an unexpected partnership. They work together to keep one step ahead of the killer. This killer appears to be observing Helen far more carefully than anyone thinks. This causes a rapid buildup of stress. You begin to worry if Helen is next. It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. The connection between Helen and M.J. is one of the film's highlights. Despite their vast differences, their relationship feels genuine.

Why Copycat is a standout 1990s thriller that still holds up today.

Examining the strong performance and unique psychological depth that set it apart.

The Silence of the Lambs is not the first Hollywood film about serial murders. But its enormous success sparked a wave of similar films in the 1990s. This genre of film finally faded out. One of these films is Jon Amiel's 1995 thriller Copycat. While it may not be as good as Silence of the Lambs or Brad Pitt's Seven, it is nevertheless a gripping film. It is ideal for some relaxing late-night gazing. It's refreshing to watch a thriller featuring two intelligent, tough women. It's even greater when Holly Hunter and Sigourney Weaver bring them to life. They are two powerful actresses from their generation. Both characters are richly developed. This elevates Copycat above the level of a typical serial killer film.

Copycatting is essentially a psychological research. It takes time to explore the human side of its characters. Dr. Helen Hudson is suffering with significant trauma. She can't force herself to leave her home. Detective M.J. Monahan is determined to solve the case. She wants to stop the serial killer who is terrorizing the city. Without this type of character, Copycat would feel empty when compared to other serial killer thrillers. Amiel is well known for his one-of-a-kind 1986 BBC series, The Singing Detective. He demonstrates his skill by keeping the story narrowly focused. The film rarely deviates from its main plot. It always moves the story forward. It maintains a strong enough tension to keep the grasp tight. Like classic studio movies that meticulously balanced what the audience needed to know, this film provides just enough information. This prevents you from feeling lost.

The film's flaws and behind-the-scenes stories from the set of Copycat

From predictable plot points to unsettling on-set interactions and post-production changes.

While Copycat offers many advantages, it also has several notable drawbacks. The premise of a killer imitating renowned killers felt a little predictable at points. You may find yourself guessing where the plot is headed too soon. For this reason, it is quite similar to Seven. Aside from the two main female characters, most of the supporting actors do not receive much screen time. This makes the world around them seem a little thin. I am confident that Netflix users will still appreciate Copycat. Despite these problems, I believe it is still worth your time. Movies have always been inclined to portraying evil. I believe part of this stems from how our own worries feed our fascination.

You are not required to accept my word for it either. Critics have given Copycat a strong 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences ranked it significantly lower, at 64%. The site's critic consensus reads: "Copycat's outstanding cast helps this often unpleasant thriller transcend the less palatable elements of its standard-issue story." According to Jeff Strickler of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "Although the plotting of this mystery-thriller about a copycat killer is flawed, Hunter and Weaver drive the show with strong performances." Trace Thurman from the Horror Queers Podcast concurred. He elaborated: "Weaver and Hunter are at the top of their game, elevating what is essentially a 2-hour episode of a CBS crime procedural into high art." So, if you take anything from these reviews, it's that Copycat is worth watching only for the performances. They really do make the film.

Behind the scenes, making the film was also a difficult task. Harry Connick Jr. later revealed that Sigourney Weaver would not speak with him on site. She appeared to be disturbed by his actions. He stated on SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show that "Every time I came around, she went the other way." She said, "I don't want to be around that guy!" This demonstrates how good Connick Jr. was at being creepy in the film. Also, an early audience disliked the film's ending. This resulted in several revisions following filming. Frank Darabont was even urged to develop new scenes to improve the film. It sounds like they worked hard to get it right for the audience.

Why You Should Watch Copycat On Netflix Now, and Its Place In Film History

A look at Sigourney Weaver's lasting impact and why this film is a must-see.

If you haven't yet added Copycat to your Netflix watch queue, now is the moment. The concept of a "killer copying famous murderers" is not new. However, this thriller handles it in a very smart and stylish manner. Sigourney Weaver, of course, contributes much to its success. I already adored her. She stars in one of my favorite film series of all time, Alien. But she truly excels here. I'd argue that Copycat is one of her best performances. This is a major reason why it is well worth investing two hours of your time. She adds depth and vulnerability to Helen's character, making you feel for her. This is a standout performance.

The film is a prime example of 1990s thrillers. Many internet fans now claim it's "better than you think." One admirer commented online, "This is a solid film with well-written language and fleshed-out characters. I love the female characters in this. Believable cat and mouse tactics, and excellent acting throughout this rollercoaster." Another person mentioned that it was a "well thought out serial killer movie." A third said it was "a nice and refreshing change to see two strong female characters interacting in a thriller like this." Weaver and Hunter both excel in their respective roles." These comments imply that the film's popularity has only grown over time.

Copycat is among Sigourney Weaver's most successful films. Her most notable roles are Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise, as well as appearances in Ghostbusters and James Cameron's Avatar film. She will reprise her role as Kiri in Avatar: Fire and Ash later in 2025. She will also appear in the 2029 film Avatar 4. Weaver will also join the Star Wars family in 2026. She will appear in The Mandalorian and Grogu. She will play Ward, the colonel and leader of the New Republic's Adelphi Rangers. Ward is also a seasoned Rebel Alliance pilot. This demonstrates Weaver's versatility and why her films are consistently worth seeing. Copycat is now available to stream on Netflix. Make sure you check it out.