Bronson

If you want a crime drama that treats its mystery as more than a puzzle, Bronson is available in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo right now. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. With 2,705 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Tom Hardy's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on Stan — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Bronson is worth clearing space for. At its heart, Bronson understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. A young man who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for robbing a post office ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement. During this time, his own personality is supplanted by his alter ego, Charles Bronson. Tom Hardy and Matt King lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2009. What makes Bronson hold up is that the resolution matters less than how the characters get there. 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 Bronson. 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. Tom Hardy 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.