While popular series like “Emily in Paris” and “American Murder: Laci Peterson” dominated Netflix’s top 10 over the past week, a crime thriller you’ve probably never heard of has burst onto the list — and it has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently in fourth place is “Dark Winds” (as of August 21), which follows two Navajo police officers who must investigate a series of dark crimes in the 1970s Southwest. When I first discovered this series, I had no idea that I was about to discover a truly gripping crime thriller (and it came at the perfect time when I needed something to watch after “The Walking Dead”).
I rewatched a few episodes recently and this series seems to be special to me. It's already making waves on one of the top streaming services and I'm ready to dive back into the series and watch all the twists and turns. But is it something You What should you watch? Here’s everything you need to know about ‘Dark Winds’ on Netflix.
What is “Dark Winds” about?
Watch on
“Dark Winds” is a crime thriller series set in the American Southwest in the 1970s. The series follows Navajo tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a series of crimes committed on the Navajo reservation.
The novel is based on the “Leaphorn & Chee” novels by Tony Hillerman, a writer renowned for his detective novels set in the American Southwest. The main characters, Leaphorn and Chee, are both deeply rooted in their Navajo heritage, and their personal and spiritual lives often intersect with their work as police officers.
The series blends crime drama, mystery and Native American culture, offering a unique look at the struggles of the Navajo community. It has also been praised for aptly exploring important topics such as cultural identity, spirituality and the effects of colonialism.
“Dark Winds” is a binge-watching thriller
If you like shows that keep you on the edge of your seat, “Dark Winds” is the kind of thriller you’ll want to binge-watch in a single weekend. The series is set in the vast, rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, which alone gives it a unique atmosphere unlike anything else on television.
“Dark Winds” is captivating And Not to be missed because it has the tension of a classic crime thriller, with the depth of a psychological drama. Following Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, you don't just watch them solve crimes, you're drawn into their world, grappling with their personal struggles and the complexities of life on the reservation. The series also doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, and each episode leaves you with that “just one more” feeling.
Critics also raved about the series when the first season was released in 2022. Both seasons currently have 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a rare achievement. The Guardian's Graeme Virtue agreed that it was binge-worthy: “It's a thorny, atmospheric mystery that still feels light enough to tackle in one or two sittings.”
Meanwhile, TIME magazine's Judy Berman said the series is “gripping, beautifully shot and driven by superb performances. Dark Winds is a very good show that also happens to be very important.”
Should You Stream “Dark Winds”?
You should definitely watch “Dark Winds.” With its gripping storytelling, rich cultural depth, and intense drama that delivers unpredictable twists and turns, it’s a must-see for any thriller fan, especially now that it’s gaining much-deserved attention on the streamer.
Also, don’t forget to watch Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy before the movies leave Netflix. You can also watch my all-time favorite dark thriller that was just added to the platform.
Stream both seasons of “Dark Winds” on Netflix NOW.