20 Hidden Drama Movie Gems You Can Watch On Netflix

20. Primal Fear

Worth watching mostly for a frightening performance from a startling Edward Norton (Oscar nominated here for the first time), Primal Fear is a near-great crime-procedural, elevated by three-dimensional characters and great turns from the aforementioned Ed Norton, Richard Gere (in one of his best roles), and Laura Linney. The story centres around the trial of an alter-boy (Norton) accused of viciously murdering a priest, with Richard Gere's lawyer, Martin Vail, the man charged with defending the boy whom the press have dubbed "The Butcher Boy of St. Mike's". Based on the William Diehl novel, Primal Fear works because it allows its characters actual scenes for development, understanding that what gives the story - and the case - its interest is not motive, but how the case effects those involved - the fallout, its consequences, and the primal fears it addresses.