Crime on Screen: Exploring the Best Crime Films
endez, isn’t nominated for an Emmy next year. He’s certainly our pick for the Golden Globe. The series is at its best when it leans into the melodrama of the boys’ Beverly Hills lifestyle, as well as the intense, claustrophobic atmosphere of the courtroom. The central performances – Koch as the nervy, unpredictable Erik, and Jamie Bell as the cold, calculating Lyle – are what truly make Monsters stand out. The show is also a feast for fans of ‘90s aesthetics, from the boxy suits, bold patterns, and shoulder pads to the outdated moral codes and the voyeuristic media presence in the courtroom. It’s worth a watch for true crime fans, even if you think you know everything there is to know about the Menendez brothers.
Longlegs (Amazon Prime Video)
One of our favourite trend pieces of the year was the viral TikTok hit by influencer feneth1ng that showed thousands of young people acting out a scene from an upcoming movie called Longlegs. Many were impressed by the acting chops and twisty, turny script at play in even those few seconds, and it was clear by the palpable tension and fear in the looks passing between the actors that this was going to be more than just the usual thriller. When the video starts with a grainy photo of what appears to be a folk monster with a towering umber body and spindly legs, then gives way to a shot of a group of friends hiking through a dense New England forest, it’s clear that this movie is going to be something special. Starring Bhumi Pednekar, Ben Mendelsohn, and Anya Taylor-Joy, the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, and went on to become one of the most talked-about releases of the year. On Amazon Prime Video now, Longlegs is a perfect mash-up of horror, thriller, and coming-of-age story, with beautifully eerie shots of the wooded outdoors, and a sweet, blossoming friendship between the lead trio. The twist at the end will have your jaw on the floor.
Overall, these recommendations are chock full of captivating murder mysteries, suspenseful true crime tales, and chilling horror stories that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and settle in for a summer filled with thrilling entertainment!
