Road to Perdition

Road to Perdition is currently streaming in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on MGM Plus and Kanopy, 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. 4,036 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Tom Hanks sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Road to Perdition earns its spot. Road to Perdition treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure, however after his son is witness to a killing, Mike Sullivan finds himself on the run in attempt to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Credit to Tom Hanks and Paul Newman for grounding it — this is a cast that earns the twists. It hit screens in 2002. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Road to Perdition passes that test consistently. 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, Road to Perdition delivers. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Watch Tom Hanks work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.