Leatherface

Leatherface is currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. With 1,445 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Stephen Dorff anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Leatherface earns its spot. Leatherface treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. A young nurse is kidnapped by a group of violent teens who escape from a mental hospital and take her on the road trip from hell. Pursued by an equally deranged lawman out for revenge, one of the teens is destined for tragedy and horrors that will destroy his mind, moulding him into a monster named Leatherface. Stephen Dorff and Vanessa Grasse lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2017. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Leatherface passes that test consistently. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Leatherface. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Stephen Dorff 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.