Russell Crowe’s twisty true-story thriller Unabomber is your Netflix must-watch this weekend

When it comes to twisty-filled thrillers, Netflix consistently delivers. From hit titles like The Good Nurse and Carry On to Bird Box, the streaming platform has served up a string of gripping movies that keep audiences hooked from start to finish – and its latest arrival sounds like no exception.

Inspired by true events, Unabomber tells the story of Ted Kaczynski, a Harvard prodigy who spent nearly two decades terrorising the United States through a mail-bombing campaign that killed 3 people and injured 23 more. 

Russell Crowe plays a controversial Harvard professor, while Jacob Tremblay portrays a young Ted Kaczynski in the film, which has arrived on Netflix just in time for the weekend. 

Before you press play, here’s all you need to know about the movie.

What is Unabomber about? 

The film tells the true story of Ted Kaczynski and his transformation from 16-year-old Harvard prodigy into the infamous Unabomber.

© Philippe Bosse/Netflix

The official synopsis reads: “Inspired by true events, UNABOMBER follows Ted Kaczynski’s transformation from Harvard prodigy into the infamous Unabomber. Subjected to controversial psychological experiments by Professor Henry Murray, Kaczynski’s troubled past resurfaces decades later when his manhunt, led by FBI agent Joanne Miller, brings to light the chilling consequences of ambition and isolation.”

Who stars in Unabomber? 

Jacob Tremblay (Sovereign, Room) leads the cast as Ted Kaczynski, alongside Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind) as Professor Henry Murray.

© Philippe Bosse/Netflix

They’re joined by Shailene Woodley (The Descendants, Divergent) as FBI agent Joanne Miller and Annabelle Wallis (Peaky Blinders, Malignant) as Christiana Morgan, Professor Murray’s academic partner.

Rounding out the main cast are Alexander Ludwig (Earth Abides, The Hunger Games), Steven Ogg (Snowpiercer, The Walking Dead) and Marc Menchaca (The Dead of Winter, Dexter: Resurrection).

What have critics said about Unabomber?

The series received a mixed response from critics. 

Screen Rant described the thriller as “an odd movie that is both fragmented and, frankly, feels a bit problematic,” while The Telegraph handed out two stars to the “lazy” film. 

© Philippe Bosse/Netflix

Elsewhere, Irish Independent hailed the film as “gripping,” while LCJ Reviews praised the “fine work” from the cast, adding, “Watchable but not as layered or gripping as other true story crime dramas.”

Unabomber is available to stream on Netflix now.