The China Syndrome

Right now you can watch The China Syndrome on Hollywood Suite — 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. With 522 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Jane Fonda leads a cast that carries the story without ever feeling mechanical. Start it on Hollywood Suite whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The China Syndrome is worth clearing space for. The plotting gives The China Syndrome its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret. Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1979. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The China Syndrome passes that test consistently. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in The China Syndrome. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Watch Jane Fonda work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.