Safe House

Safe House has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel, and in the UK on Now TV Cinema. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 3,955 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Denzel Washington sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. Start it on Starz Apple TV Channel whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Safe House earns its spot. At its heart, Safe House understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. A dangerous CIA renegade resurfaces after a decade on the run. When the safe house he's remanded to is attacked by mercenaries, a rookie operative escapes with him. Now, the unlikely allies must stay alive long enough to uncover who wants them dead. Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2012. Safe House is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in Safe House. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Denzel Washington 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.