Ben Affleck’s 2016 crime thriller Live By Night, which he directed, wrote and starred in, is receiving renewed attention on streaming nearly a decade after its disappointing theatrical run. Although the film was criticised for its overextended story and struggled commercially, its ambitious scale, period setting and stylish presentation make it a more intriguing entry in Affleck’s filmography than its reputation suggests.

The film follows First World War veteran Joe Coughlin, who becomes involved in organised crime after returning to Boston, later moving to Florida to build his own criminal empire. Its sprawling narrative incorporates gang rivalries, corruption, religious fundamentalism and the Ku Klux Klan, but packs in more material than its runtime can comfortably sustain. It earned less than $25 million against a $65 million budget, yet Robert Richardson’s cinematography, detailed production design and old-Hollywood gangster aesthetic remain widely praised.