In a stunning turn of events, Netflix’s global charts have been set ablaze by an unexpected masterpiece. Eric Bana’s 2021 mystery thriller The Dry surged to the #1 spot worldwide last night, leaving fans and critics alike in awe of its gripping intensity. Dubbed by viewers as “the darkest obsession you’ve never faced before” and a “silent killer hiding on Netflix,” this Australian crime drama has emerged from the shadows to captivate audiences with its haunting narrative and unrelenting suspense. While Bana’s newer series Untamed has been stealing headlines, The Dry proves to be an even more compelling, emotionally charged journey into the heart of a drought-stricken town riddled with secrets. Buckle up as we dive into why this slow-burn thriller has become Netflix’s latest global phenomenon.

A Cinematic Gem Resurfaces

The Dry, directed by Robert Connolly and based on Jane Harper’s bestselling novel, first hit theaters in 2020, earning critical acclaim in its native Australia and beyond. Yet, it remained a criminally underseen gem for many until its recent explosion onto Netflix’s global stage. The film follows Aaron Falk (Eric Bana), a federal agent who returns to his drought-ravaged hometown of Kiewarra after a shocking murder-suicide involving his childhood friend Luke Hadler. What begins as a reluctant trip to attend a funeral spirals into a deeply personal investigation, unearthing buried secrets and reopening old wounds from a mysterious death two decades prior. The film’s raw, sun-scorched setting and Bana’s stoic yet vulnerable performance have struck a chord with viewers, propelling it to the top of Netflix’s charts.

Unlike Untamed, which thrives on high-octane drama and fast-paced action, The Dry is a slow-burn masterpiece that simmers with tension. Its deliberate pacing allows the weight of every revelation to sink in, making it a thriller that lingers long after the credits roll. Fans on social media have been vocal about their obsession, with one user calling it “a silent killer that creeps up on you — by the end, you’re completely hooked.” Another described it as “darker and more addictive than Untamed,” praising its ability to weave personal trauma with a gripping whodunit.

A Drought-Stricken Town, A Web of Lies

Set in the fictional Australian town of Kiewarra, The Dry paints a vivid picture of a community on the brink. A relentless drought has parched the land for over a year, leaving the townsfolk desperate, distrustful, and on edge. The stark, sun-bleached landscape serves as more than just a backdrop — it’s a character in itself, amplifying the story’s tension and reflecting the emotional aridity of its inhabitants. When Aaron Falk arrives to attend Luke’s funeral, he’s met with hostility from a town that still blames him for a tragedy from his teenage years: the mysterious drowning of Ellie Deacon, a friend whose death remains unsolved.

The present-day mystery centers on Luke Hadler, who is believed to have killed his wife and son before taking his own life. But a cryptic note from Luke’s father — “Luke lied. You lied. Be at the funeral” — pulls Aaron into a deeper investigation. Partnering with local cop Greg Raco (Keir O’Donnell), Aaron begins to unravel a web of lies, hidden motives, and long-buried grudges. Was Luke truly capable of such a horrific act, or is something more sinister at play? As Aaron digs deeper, flashbacks to his youth reveal a tangled history with Luke, Ellie, and their friend Gretchen (Genevieve O’Reilly), blurring the lines between past and present.

The film’s dual-timeline narrative is one of its greatest strengths, seamlessly weaving Aaron’s memories of a lush, vibrant Kiewarra with the desolate reality of the present. Each flashback peels back another layer of the town’s history, exposing allegiances, betrayals, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The result is a story that feels both intimate and expansive, drawing viewers into Aaron’s personal struggle while keeping them guessing about the truth.

Eric Bana’s Tour de Force

At the heart of The Dry is Eric Bana’s commanding performance as Aaron Falk. Known for roles in films like Munich and Troy, Bana delivers a career-defining turn here, balancing stoic professionalism with raw emotional vulnerability. Aaron is a man haunted by his past, carrying the weight of a town’s suspicion and his own unresolved guilt. Bana’s ability to convey this inner turmoil through subtle expressions and measured dialogue makes Aaron a compelling anchor for the film. As one viewer put it, “Eric Bana doesn’t just act — he is Aaron Falk. You feel every ounce of his pain and determination.”

Bana’s chemistry with the supporting cast elevates the film further. Genevieve O’Reilly’s Gretchen brings warmth and complexity to a character caught between nostalgia and regret, while Keir O’Donnell’s Greg Raco provides a grounded counterpoint to Aaron’s intensity. The ensemble, including standout performances from Matt Nable as the menacing Grant Dow and BeBe Bettencourt as the enigmatic young Ellie, creates a rich tapestry of characters who feel achingly real.

Why It’s Resonating Now

So, why has The Dry struck such a chord with Netflix audiences in 2025? For one, its themes of guilt, redemption, and the long shadow of the past are universally relatable. The film’s exploration of a community pushed to its breaking point by environmental and economic hardship feels eerily timely, resonating with viewers grappling with their own real-world uncertainties. The drought-ravaged setting serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human connection in the face of adversity, making The Dry more than just a mystery — it’s a meditation on survival and truth.

The film’s resurgence also owes much to the “Bana effect.” With Untamed dominating Netflix’s series charts, fans have been eager to explore more of Bana’s work, rediscovering The Dry as a hidden gem. Social media is abuzz with praise, with viewers calling it “the darkest obsession you’ll ever binge” and urging others to “drop everything and watch it.” The contrast between Untamed’s adrenaline-fueled narrative and The Dry’s introspective, character-driven approach has only amplified its appeal, offering something for both thriller junkies and fans of emotional depth.

Critical Acclaim and Viewer Buzz

Since its debut, The Dry has been lauded for its atmospheric storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship. Critics have praised its ability to balance a complex mystery with rich character development, with many singling out Bana’s performance and Connolly’s direction. The film’s score, with its haunting melodies, and its stark cinematography have also been highlighted as key elements that elevate the tension. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, The Dry has earned strong scores, with audiences echoing the sentiment that it’s a must-see for fans of films like Top of the Lake or Mare of Easttown.

Viewer reactions on social media have been equally effusive. One fan wrote, “The Dry is like a punch you don’t see coming. It’s quiet, then it grabs you and doesn’t let go.” Another called it “a masterclass in storytelling — every scene feels like it matters.” The film’s ability to keep audiences guessing, coupled with its emotional weight, has made it a standout in Netflix’s vast catalog.

A Silent Killer Worth Watching

As The Dry continues to dominate Netflix’s global charts, it’s clear that this understated thriller has found its moment. Its blend of mystery, drama, and raw human emotion makes it a standout in a crowded streaming landscape. For those who love a story that unfolds with patience, revealing its secrets one heart-pounding moment at a time, The Dry is an unmissable experience. Eric Bana’s powerhouse performance, paired with a narrative that’s as gripping as it is haunting, ensures that this film will linger in viewers’ minds long after the final frame.

So, if you’re looking for your next obsession, head to Netflix and dive into The Dry. Just be warned: this silent killer of a thriller will pull you in, break your heart, and leave you questioning everything. In a world of flashy blockbusters and high-octane series, The Dry proves that sometimes, the quietest stories pack the biggest punch.