Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

If you want a crime drama that treats its mystery as more than a puzzle, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is available in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kevin Conroy's performance alone is worth the time investment. Start it on HBO Max Amazon Channel whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

There is a reason Batman: Mask of the Phantasm keeps coming up in conversation. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. Andrea Beaumont leaves her father to return to Gotham, rekindling an old romance with Bruce Wayne. At the same time, a mysterious figure begins to hunt down Gotham's criminals, wrongly implicating Batman in the murders. Now on the run from the law, Batman must find and stop the culprit, while also navigating his relationship with Andrea. The writing gets a boost from Kevin Conroy and Dana Delany, who sell every scene they're in. It was released in 1993. The plot mechanics of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm will keep you hooked. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Kevin Conroy 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.