Perfect Stranger

Perfect Stranger is currently streaming in Australia on Hoopla, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Halle Berry anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Available now on Hoopla — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Perfect Stranger is worth clearing space for. The plotting in Perfect Stranger is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. A journalist goes undercover to ferret out businessman Harrison Hill as her best friend's killer. Posing as one of his temps, she enters into a game of online cat-and-mouse. Halle Berry and Bruce Willis lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2007. The plot mechanics of Perfect Stranger never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Perfect Stranger. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Halle Berry 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.