The International

The International is currently streaming in the US on Criterion Channel, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, 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. Clive Owen anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on Criterion Channel and see for yourself.

There is a reason The International keeps coming up in conversation. At its heart, The International understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. An interpol agent and an attorney are determined to bring one of the world's most powerful banks to justice. Uncovering money laundering, arms trading, and conspiracy to destabilize world governments, their investigation takes them from Berlin, Milan, New York and Istanbul. Finding themselves in a chase across the globe, their relentless tenacity puts their own lives at risk. Clive Owen and Naomi Watts lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2009. What makes The International hold up is that the resolution matters less than how the characters get there. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find The International proves them wrong. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Watch Clive Owen work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.