The Stranger

Right now you can watch The Stranger in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix — and it earns its twists rather than manufacturing them. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 419 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch Joel Edgerton work — the performance is a masterclass in restraint. Start it on Netflix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Stranger is worth clearing space for. The Stranger treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. Two strangers strike up a conversation on a long journey. However, neither is who they appear to be, each carry secrets that threaten to ruin them — and in the background, one of the nation's largest police operations is closing in. Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2022. The plot mechanics of The Stranger never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find The Stranger proves them wrong. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Joel Edgerton 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.