Oblivion

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Oblivion is available in Australia on BINGE and Paramount Plus, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Tom Cruise's performance is the anchor the more ambitious scenes need. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on BINGE.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Oblivion is worth clearing space for. Oblivion uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. Jack Harper is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying threat known as the Scavs, Jack’s mission is nearly complete. His existence is brought crashing down when he rescues a beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman lead a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Oblivion came out in 2013. The world-building is meticulous enough to sustain multiple rewatches, with details early on that only make sense later. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Oblivion fits the bill. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Watch for Tom Cruise in particular — the performance elevates the material. Satisfying on multiple levels.