Crime thriller review: "Black Rabbit" starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman veers away from the whimsy of Wonderland, offering a gritty and suspenseful narrative
In the world of streaming entertainment, Netflix continues to deliver captivating content, and their latest offering, Black Rabbit, is no exception. This dark, twisty miniseries presents a unique take on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, set against the backdrop of New York City's seedy underbelly.
At the heart of Black Rabbit is the complex relationship between brothers Jake and Vince, portrayed by Jude Law and Jason Bateman, respectively. Their codependency often leads them into dangerous situations, as Vince, estranged from Jake, returns to New York owing serious money to some ruthless gangsters, headed by Joe Mancuso.
Directed by Justin Kurzel, who co-directed the series alongside Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, Black Rabbit opens with an in medias res opening that throws viewers straight into the thick of the action, before rewinding the clock. The series follows the increasingly desperate attempts of brothers Jake and Vince Friedken to climb out of their mistakes.
The story begins at a party at Jake's restaurant, the Black Rabbit, where two masked men rob the guests at gunpoint. This initial robbery ties into the plot in an unfortunately predictable way, but the series manages to offer plenty of tense and thrilling action sequences, drawing inspiration from the Safdie brothers' movies Good Time and Uncut Gems.
Law's character Jake is shown to be a complex figure, exhibiting leadership qualities at his restaurant but also having connections to seedy nightclubs that put his employees at risk. Bateman's character Vince is portrayed as a slippery and energetic individual, always seeking opportunities or escape routes.
The road to the robbery involves a troubling sexual assault plot, the rocky relationship woes of Estelle and her boyfriend Wes, and Vince and Jake's family trauma. Despite the series' bloated journey, with episodes often running over an hour, its tightly paced action sequences demonstrate what the show could have been with more rigid timing constraints.
Black Rabbit may not reinvent the movies, but it offers a compelling watch for those who enjoy a good drama with a dash of action. With its strong performances from Law and Bateman, and its gritty depiction of New York's criminal underworld, it's a series that's sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
So, if you're looking for a new series to binge-watch, Black Rabbit is now streaming on Netflix. Dive into this dark, twisty journey and see if you can keep up with Jake and Vince as they navigate the treacherous waters of crime, family, and redemption.
