Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights is currently streaming in the US on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Melanie Griffith's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Netflix.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Pacific Heights is worth clearing space for. At its heart, Pacific Heights understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. A couple works hard to renovate their dream house and become landlords to pay for it. Unfortunately one of their tenants has plans of his own. Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1990. What makes Pacific Heights 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.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, Pacific Heights will keep you hooked. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Watch Melanie Griffith work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.