Is there a particular reason that you're not sure about recommending The Hope to me or just the serial killer/prison plot, in which case I will point out that film noir is also comfort viewing for me.

No, it's basically just that, and you're right, you're about the least likely person to bounce off it because of that. Unlike the general trajectory of some of the others, this one started out dark and ended up less so.

Good Lord, this looks like crackfic.

If you think that looks like crackfic, check out this one.