Backdraft

Right now you can watch Backdraft in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kurt Russell'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, Backdraft earns its spot. At its heart, Backdraft understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes. Kurt Russell and William Baldwin lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1991. The plot mechanics of Backdraft never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. 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, Backdraft delivers. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Kurt Russell's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.