Catwoman

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Catwoman is available in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Stan, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV right now. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. With 3,638 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Halle Berry sets the tone, and the world-building does the rest. Available now on Amazon Prime Video — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Catwoman is worth clearing space for. Catwoman treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. Liquidated after discovering a corporate conspiracy, mild-mannered graphic artist Patience Phillips washes up on an island, where she's resurrected and endowed with the prowess of a cat — and she's eager to use her new skills... As a vigilante. Before you can say "cat and mouse", handsome gumshoe Tom Lone is on her tail, fascinated by both of her personas. Halle Berry and Benjamin Bratt lead a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. It hit screens in 2004. What separates Catwoman from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Catwoman is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Watch for Halle Berry in particular — the performance elevates the material. Satisfying on multiple levels.