Vacancy

Vacancy has quietly become one of the more dependable crime dramas currently available in Australia on Stan. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 1,656 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Kate Beckinsale leads a cast that carries the story without ever feeling mechanical. Put it on tonight on Stan and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Vacancy is worth clearing space for. At its heart, Vacancy understands what makes crime drama work — character first, plot second. A young married couple becomes stranded at an isolated motel and find hidden video cameras in their room. They realize that unless they escape, they'll be the next victims of a snuff film. Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2007. The plot mechanics of Vacancy never overwhelm the human cost underneath them. 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, Vacancy delivers. 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. Watch Kate Beckinsale work — it is a masterclass in the genre. Few crime dramas earn their twists this consistently.