Hulu’s Number One Hit Is a Crime Thriller with an ‘Abbott Elementary’ Star

The holiday season has many people taking risks on streaming services to try something new, and audiences have gravitated toward a 2024 thriller on Hulu that has been getting solid notices for putting viewers on the edge of their seats. Amber Alert, which stars Tyler James Williams of Abbott Elementary and Hayden Panettiere, has risen through the ranks on the platform to quickly become a streaming hit.

On Hulu’s current Top 10, Amber Alert ranks at number one, just ahead of Amy Adam’s Nightbitch. Directed by Kerry Bellessa, it’s easy to see why Amber Alert would be a prime choice for those looking for a streaming fix. At only 90 minutes long, the movie doesn’t overstay its welcome and offers up a quick and entertaining diversion that is perfect for home viewing.

Bellessa’s Amber Alert actually has a history that goes back to 2012, when the director first made the film as a found footage movie. The plot is pretty much the same as the previous effort, although some creative changes have been made to free it of its found footage limitations. The film takes place over the course of one night and involves total strangers Jaq (Panettiere) and Shane (Williams). Shane is a rideshare driver that Jaq flags down after being late for a date. However, once the titular alert is issued and the driver spots the license plate involved in the abduction, the two strangers become intertwined in an increasingly tense situation.

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With thrillers and action abound, Hulu will definitely be the go-to place for edge-of-your-seat entertainment next month.

The New Amber Alert Improves on the Original’s Shortcomings

The 2012 version of Amber Alert wasn’t completely embraced by critics, and audiences were also a bit underwhelmed, given its 36% audience score. Critics were turned off by the characters in the film, who came off as a bit unlikable, and some of the limitations of the found-footage style. Regardless, even some of the more mediocre reviews saw the potential in the idea of the thriller, which does present a pretty frightening subject matter.

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A ride-share driver (Tyler James Williams) and his passenger (Hayden Panettiere) follow a suspicious car after an amber alert.

Some of these issues seem to be fixed in the latest version, as the movie sits with a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 64% audience score on the site. Most critics have pointed to the performances of Panettiere and Williams being especially good, while the story was also opened a bit by dropping the found footage angle. Most agree that the film is a nail-biter and showcases several edge-of-your-seat moments, but some believe that the ending didn’t live up to the build-up.

Even though some might think the overall idea is improbable, Amber Alert does make fascinating “what would you do” entertainment that cleverly spins what would be a nightmare for any parent. ‘Check your brain at the door’ projects will always have a place in the industry, and Hulu is certainly enjoying the benefits of Amber Alert being the latest example of films that you can just kick back and enjoy. Amber Alert is now streaming on Hulu; you can watch it below:

Watch Amber Alert