Awake

Awake is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo, 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. 1,573 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Hayden Christensen's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

There is a reason Awake keeps coming up in conversation. Awake treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. While undergoing heart surgery, a man experiences a phenomenon called ‘anesthetic awareness’, which leaves him awake but paralyzed throughout the operation. As various obstacles present themselves, his wife must make life-altering decisions while wrestling with her own personal drama. Hayden Christensen and Jessica Alba lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. It was released in 2007. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Awake passes that test consistently. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find Awake proves them wrong. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Hayden Christensen anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.