2018 Smart AwardsShows or movies that premiered in 2018 – The Smart Awards are for shows or movies that aren’t dumbed down, that force you to use your brain. And the acting is subtle rather than over the top or playing to the camera.
An emotionally scarred journalist returns to her hometown to investigate a murder, and must deal with her estranged family. Amazing subtlety and pitch-perfect acting by award-worthy Adams.
Creator: Marti Noxon
Cast: Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina
IMDb: 8.2
Where: HBO, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Amazon On Demand, Vudu
Two people come together amidst a pharmaceutical trial. Everything here is outside of the box, nothing cliché. Very creative and imaginative storytelling, but it might be too quirky for some.
Creators: Cary Joji Fukunaga, Patrick Somerville
Cast: Jonah Hill, Emma Stone, Sonoya Mizun
IMDb: 8.0
Where: Netflix
The life and turmoil of the Dutton family, mega-weathly ranchers, as they deal with land developers, Native Americans, and politicians. Sometimes feels more like cinema than TV. I like Sheridan’s other work, and like this also.
Creators: John Linson, Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River)
Cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly
IMDb: 8.3
Where: Sling, Amazon On Demand, iTunes, Fandango Now
An MI-5 officer chases down a ruthless, oddball Russian spy. Each episode seems to fly by. From BBC America.
Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Cast: Jodie Comer (Thirteen), Sandra Oh, Fiona Shaw, Kim Bodnia (The Bridge)
IMDb: 8.3
Where: Hulu, iTunes, Amazon On Demand
Better than expected account of the FBI’s and ATF’s standoff with David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. Kitsch is surprisingly award-worthy, while Shannon, Riseborough and Sparks continue to amaze. Depicts Koresh as both a sympathetic character and someone with crazy ideas.
Creators: Drew Dowdle, John Erick Dowdle
Cast: Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch, Andrea Riseborough
IMDb: 8.0
Where: Amazon On Demand, Vudu, Google Play
If you like Mr. Robot, this has a similarly eerie feel. Roberts’ character works in a facility to help war veterans transition to everyday life. But there’s a twist.
Creators: Micah Bloomberg, Eli Horowitz, Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot)
Cast: Julia Roberts, Bobby Cannavale, Stephan James
IMDb: 7.6
Where: Amazon Prime
An account of the FBI’s and CIA’s friction and rivalry in the lead-up to 9/11. How they botched things.
Creators: Dan Futterman, Alex Gibney, Lawrence Wright
Cast: Jeff Daniels, Tahar Rahim, Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard
IMDb: 8.0
Where: Hulu, Amazon On Demand, iTunes, Vudu