Taylor Sheridan's universe keeps expanding with hits like Marshals and The Madison, but one of his lesser-known projects is finally getting its moment in the spotlight. The gritty crime thriller Finestkind, which Sheridan produced alongside Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff, and David C. Glasser, has quietly become one of Paramount+'s most-watched movies in April 2026.
Directed by Brian Helgeland—the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind L.A. Confidential and Mystic River—Finestkind originally hit theaters and streaming in 2023 to little fanfare. But three years later, audiences are discovering what they missed: a tense, neo-noir crime drama that fans of Ben Affleck's The Town will devour. The film is currently trending in the top 10 on Paramount+ across international markets including Australia, Argentina, Italy, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
The story follows two brothers—Tom (Ben Foster), a hardened scallop fisherman, and Charlie (Toby Wallace), a college grad from a different world—who reunite one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them into a deal with a violent Boston crime gang, the stakes turn primal. Caught in the middle is Mabel, played by a pre-stardom Jenna Ortega, whose character finds herself perilously entangled in the brothers' dangerous choices.
The cast also includes the legendary Tommy Lee Jones as the brothers' father, adding emotional weight to a story about loyalty, sacrifice, and the bonds that tie family together. As the synopsis teases, "sacrifices must be made and bonds between brothers, friends, lovers, and a father and his son are put to the ultimate test."
For those who've been following Sheridan's TV empire—Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown continue to dominate the streaming charts—Finestkind offers a different flavor of his signature grit. It's a standalone film that doesn't require any franchise knowledge, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers.
If you're looking for a weekend binge that blends crime, family drama, and coastal atmosphere, Finestkind delivers. It's also a fascinating early look at Jenna Ortega before she became a household name. For more underrated streaming gems, check out our list of Forgotten Netflix Originals That Only Get Better With Age or dive into Why 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' Remains Paramount+'s Most Addictive Crime Series.
Finestkind is streaming now on Paramount+.
