Sting

Right now you can watch Sting in Australia on HBO Max, and in the US on Hoopla — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. 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. Watch Alyla Browne work — the performance is a masterclass in restraint. Put it on tonight on HBO Max and see for yourself.

Sting is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The plotting in Sting is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. After raising an unnervingly talented spider in secret, 12-year-old Charlotte must face the truth about her pet and fight for her family's survival. Alyla Browne and Ryan Corr lead a cast that gives the tension real weight. Sting came out in 2024. Sting is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. 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, Sting delivers. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Alyla Browne 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.