Michael Clayton

If you want a crime drama that treats its mystery as more than a puzzle, Michael Clayton is available on Starz Amazon Channel right now. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 2,008 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. George Clooney sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Starz Amazon Channel and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Michael Clayton earns its spot. The plotting in Michael Clayton is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit. The writing gets a boost from George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson, who sell every scene they're in. It was released in 2007. The plot mechanics of Michael Clayton never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Michael Clayton delivers. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. George Clooney's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.