The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix, 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. 2,245 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Kevin Costner anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Highwaymen is worth clearing space for. The Highwaymen treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. In 1934, Frank Hamer and Manny Gault, two former Texas Rangers, are commissioned to put an end to the wave of vicious crimes perpetrated by Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, a notorious duo of infamous robbers and cold-blooded killers who nevertheless are worshiped by the public. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2019. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — The Highwaymen passes that test consistently. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Crime and mystery fans will find exactly what they are after in The Highwaymen. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Kevin Costner's performance is the kind that shows up on best-of lists years later. If you have been looking for something to fill the gap left by a recently finished story, this is a reliable answer.