Amadeus

Right now you can watch Amadeus on streaming — and it holds up to as much attention as you give it. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. F. Murray Abraham sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Available now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Amadeus is worth clearing space for. The writing in Amadeus treats its characters as people first, plot devices second. Disciplined Italian composer Antonio Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and resentment towards the hedonistic and remarkably talented young Salzburger composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1984. The writing trusts the audience to sit with ambiguity rather than wrapping everything up in a tidy conclusion — it is the approach that separates good drama from great. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

For anyone looking for storytelling that takes its characters seriously, Amadeus delivers. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. F. Murray Abraham is the centre of it, and it is one of their strongest performances on record. The patience it asks of you early on is paid back with interest.