Copycat: A Thriller That Deserves a Second Look, written by Shanku Sharma 

//Shanku Sharma//

When it comes to psychological thrillers from the 1990s, films like The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Seven (1995) often dominate discussions. Yet, nestled within the decade’s golden era of suspenseful storytelling lies a hidden gem—Copycat (1995), a film that masterfully blends serial killer horror with a gripping crime procedural. Directed by Jon Amiel, Copycat may not have gained the same cult following as its contemporaries, but its chilling atmosphere, compelling performances, and unique take on criminal profiling make it an underrated classic.

Unlike many thrillers of its time, Copycat sets itself apart by exploring the psychology behind serial murders through the lens of Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver), an agoraphobic criminal psychologist and expert on serial killers. After surviving a brutal attack by a convicted murderer (Harry Connick Jr.), she retreats into isolation, battling severe PTSD and refusing to engage with the outside world.

Her solitude is shattered when a new killer emerges, replicating the crimes of infamous murderers from history. The San Francisco police, led by detective M.J. Monahan (Holly Hunter), seek Helen’s expertise to track the copycat killer before he strikes again. As Helen and M.J. delve deeper into the case, they realize that the killer is not just mimicking past crimes but also drawing them into a twisted game of psychological manipulation.

Best known for her role as the fierce Ellen Ripley in Alien, Sigourney Weaver delivers a strikingly different yet equally powerful performance in Copycat. Her portrayal of Dr. Helen Hudson is layered with fear, intelligence, and resilience. Unlike the confident, physically strong characters she often plays, Helen is deeply vulnerable, trapped not just by her agoraphobia but also by the trauma that haunts her.

Her on-screen chemistry with Holly Hunter adds another layer of depth to the film. Hunter’s portrayal of Detective Monahan is a stark contrast—fearless, determined, and pragmatic. The dynamic between the two women, both strong in their own ways, forms the emotional core of Copycat, setting it apart from the male-driven thrillers of its time.

One of the most compelling aspects of Copycat is its meticulous attention to the psychological underpinnings of serial murder. The film doesn’t just present a faceless, sadistic villain; it dissects the twisted mind of the copycat killer, played chillingly by William McNamara. By recreating the murders of real-life killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and The Boston Strangler, the film creates an eerie sense of realism.

Moreover, Copycat delves into the psychological impact of crime on both victims and those who study it. Helen’s struggle with PTSD is portrayed with a level of authenticity rarely seen in crime thrillers. Instead of being a detached expert, she is personally affected by the horrors she has spent her life analyzing, making her character all the more compelling.

Though overshadowed by more famous crime thrillers of its era, Copycat remains an effective and unsettling film that deserves to be revisited. It expertly blends suspense, psychology, and character-driven storytelling, keeping audiences engaged until the very last scene.

In today’s era of true crime fascination, Copycat feels more relevant than ever. With its exploration of criminal behavior, trauma, and the influence of media on violent crime, the film offers an insightful commentary that still resonates.

For those who appreciate a smart, psychological thriller with stellar performances, Copycat is a film that should not be overlooked. It may not have gained the same recognition as Se7en or The Silence of the Lambs, but it stands as a gripping, intelligent thriller that continues to chill audiences to this day.