Adrift

Adrift is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Stan, and in the US on Hulu, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 2,714 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Shailene Woodley's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Adrift earns its spot. At its heart, Adrift understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp couldn't anticipate that they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope of rescue, Tami must now find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved. Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2018. What makes Adrift hold up is that the resolution matters less than how the characters get there. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Adrift delivers. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Watch Shailene Woodley work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.