Netflix subscribers seeking a break from the festive binge-watch this month can find solace in a chilling alternative.
The critically acclaimed serial killer thriller, The Silence of the Lambs, has landed on the streaming giant as of today (Thursday, 11th December), offering a stark contrast to the holiday cheer.
Debuting in 1991, the film features Jodie Foster as novice FBI agent Clarice Starling, assigned to track down Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), a deranged serial killer with a gruesome modus operandi.
In her pursuit, she enlists the help of the notorious imprisoned cannibal, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), leading to an eerie bond between them.
More than three decades since its premiere, this iconic thriller continues to captivate and terrify millions of movie enthusiasts. Now that it’s back on Netflix, it’s an opportune time for another viewing or even a first-time watch.
The film has garnered universal acclaim and remains the gold standard for serial killer movies. The Guardian awarded it a perfect five stars in a retrospective review, lauding Hopkins’ portrayal of Lecter as an « uproarious technical masterpiece ».
Recently, Collider hailed it as the « Greatest Serial Killer Film of All Time », while The Silence of the Lambs continues to climb the charts on US streaming platform Tubi.
An IMDb reviewer gave it a full 10/10, affirming that the film is « as good as its notorious reputation suggests ». They added: « If suspense thrillers are your thing, then this must rate as one of the greatest ever made, » and « This film is genuinely unsettling throughout, you’ll be wondering just who is playing who at times. »
They praised its reliance on narrative and performance over gore, stating: « An absence of blood and gore, this relied on the story and acting, for my money it’s infinitely superior to the films that followed. The psychological terror is the key to this film’s success. »
Another viewer dubbed it « the greatest horror movie ever made », writing: « One of those rare pieces of cinematic perfection. The Silence of the Lambs is so damn flawless, the whole horror genre should have been officially retired after its release. »
They commended Foster’s performance as « Jodie Foster gives arguably the best second-best performance of all-time while Anthony Hopkins creates the most consuming and captivating villain in movie history. »
They concluded: « The fact that you cannot help but fall in love with a man who bites people’s face off is testimony to Hopkins’ magnificence. »
Is this tantalisingly spooky thriller on your watchlist this month?
The Silence of the Lambs is available to stream on Netflix.
