On August 18, 2025, Netflix fans were stunned as Eric Bana’s mystery thriller The Dry skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the platform’s global Top 10 list, overtaking even his acclaimed series Untamed. Adapted from Jane Harper’s 2016 novel, this 2021 Australian film, directed by Robert Connolly, has been hailed as “darker and more addictive” than Untamed, with viewers on X calling it “the darkest obsession you’ve never faced before.” Its gripping narrative and Bana’s career-defining performance have cemented its status as a must-watch phenomenon.

The Dry follows federal agent Aaron Falk (Bana), who returns to his drought-stricken hometown of Kiewarra to investigate a brutal murder-suicide linked to a past tragedy. The film’s moody, atmospheric storytelling, blending elements of Broadchurch and True Detective, delivers emotional devastation through its exploration of grief and buried secrets. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes, where it holds a 90% score, praise Bana’s “quietly intense” portrayal, per web:0, while fans on X, like @FilmFan22, rave, “Bana in The Dry is a masterpiece hiding in plain sight!”

The film’s surge, amassing 25 million hours viewed in 24 hours, per screenrant.com, outpaced Untamed’s debut, which hit No. 1 in July 2025 with 24.6 million views, per web:1. Viewers highlight its “claustrophobic” tension and “gut-punch” twists, with @NetflixBinge tweeting, “The Dry is darker than Untamed—I’m obsessed!” The Australian outback setting, coupled with a haunting score, amplifies its emotional weight, as noted by The Guardian. Bana’s nuanced performance, portraying a man haunted by past trauma, has drawn comparisons to his role in Munich, per web:2.

Unlike Untamed’s fast-paced action, The Dry’s slow-burn narrative delves into psychological depth, making it “emotionally devastating,” per collider.com. Its resurgence follows Untamed’s success, with fans rediscovering Bana’s versatility, per movieweb.com. The film’s 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects its universal appeal, with one X user posting, “Regret sleeping on this gem!” Netflix’s algorithm, pushing The Dry after Untamed’s hype, has fueled its global dominance, per Variety.

As The Dry captivates viewers, its darker, moodier tone proves Bana’s ability to deliver unforgettable performances. Don’t miss this silent killer on Netflix—it’s a thriller you’ll regret skipping.