The new Netflix film "Unabomber" attempts to explore the origins of Ted Kaczynski's extremist actions by delving into his childhood, specifically a controversial psychological experiment he underwent as a teenager. The movie, which is based on a true story, juxtaposes Kaczynski's experiences as a gifted but socially awkward Harvard freshman in 1958 with the 1995 manhunt for the Unabomber, led by FBI Agent Joanne Miller.

Directed by Janus Metz, the film suggests a connection between Kaczynski's participation in psychological experiments under Professor Henry Murray and his eventual transformation into a domestic terrorist. Jacob Tremblay portrays the young Kaczynski, while Shailene Woodley plays Agent Miller. Russell Crowe appears as Professor Murray.

While the film speculates on the formative impact of these experiments, the real Kaczynski reportedly denied such a connection. Critics note that "Unabomber" prioritizes speculative drama over a more nuanced exploration of the complex factors contributing to Kaczynski's path.

The movie intercuts scenes of Kaczynski as a teenager grappling with social isolation and his father, with Agent Miller's increasingly frustrated investigation. Miller, facing skepticism from her male colleagues, focuses on linguistic clues within the Unabomber's manifesto.

Despite solid performances, particularly from Tremblay, the film's script has been criticized for its thin thematic development and rushed conclusion. Reviewers suggest the narrative aims for predetermined outcomes rather than examining the intricate details of Kaczynski's life and the longest manhunt in U.S. history. The film concludes with a title card highlighting the duration of the investigation, though this aspect occupies only the final 40 minutes of screen time.

"Unabomber" is considered by some to be another entry in Netflix's extensive true-crime catalog, lacking the depth of other examinations, such as the 2021 film "Ted K." starring Sharlto Copley, which focused solely on Kaczynski's perspective. The film has been labeled a "SKIP IT" by critics who found its psychological exploration lacking and its narrative structure too condensed for the complexity of the subject matter. It has been compared to "The Silence of the Lambs" in its portrayal of a female agent facing professional obstacles, but this storyline is noted as underdeveloped.

The film was released on Netflix on September 25, 2026.