Salt

Salt has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available in Australia on BINGE and Foxtel Now, and in the US on Starz Apple TV Channel. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 5,966 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Angelina Jolie anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Start it on BINGE whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Salt earns its spot. At its heart, Salt understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor, and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a Russian defector accuses her of being a Russian sleeper spy. She goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture, protect her husband, and stay one step ahead of her colleagues at the CIA. Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2010. The plot mechanics of Salt never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, Salt will keep you hooked. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Angelina Jolie 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.