The Cat's Meow

The Cat's Meow is currently streaming in the US on YouTube TV and Starz Apple TV Channel, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Kirsten Dunst sets the tone, and the ensemble matches it scene for scene. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on YouTube TV.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Cat's Meow earns its spot. The plotting gives The Cat's Meow its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. Semi-true story of the Hollywood murder that occurred at a star-studded gathering aboard William Randolph Hearst's yacht in 1924. The writing gets a boost from Kirsten Dunst and Edward Herrmann, who sell every scene they're in. The Cat's Meow came out in 2001. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Cat's Meow passes that test consistently. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, The Cat's Meow delivers. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Watch Kirsten Dunst work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.

The Cat's Meow was released in 2001, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. The full 114-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.