The Bourne Ultimatum

The Bourne Ultimatum is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and BINGE, and in the UK on Sky Go and Now TV Cinema, 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. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 8,436 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Matt Damon's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

The Bourne Ultimatum is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The plotting in The Bourne Ultimatum is tight enough that the twists feel earned rather than assembled. Bourne is brought out of hiding once again by reporter Simon Ross who is trying to unveil Operation Blackbriar, an upgrade to Project Treadstone, in a series of newspaper columns. Information from the reporter stirs a new set of memories, and Bourne must finally uncover his dark past while dodging The Company's best efforts to eradicate him. Credit to Matt Damon and Julia Stiles for grounding it — this is a cast that earns the twists. The Bourne Ultimatum came out in 2007. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Bourne Ultimatum passes that test consistently. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, The Bourne Ultimatum will keep you hooked. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Matt Damon 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.