Benji

Right now you can watch Benji in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. 325 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Gabriel Bateman sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Benji is worth clearing space for. At its heart, Benji understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. Two school kids strike up a friendship with an orphaned puppy named Benji. When danger befalls them and they end up kidnapped by robbers who are in over their heads, Benji and his scruffy sidekick come to the rescue. Gabriel Bateman and Darby Camp lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2018. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Benji passes that test consistently. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Benji. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Gabriel Bateman 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.