The Gentlemen on Netflix: Stylish Crime Drama with a Lack of Energy and Humor
Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix series, The Gentlemen, brings his signature style of gangster storytelling to the small screen. While it is slick and well-cast, it falls short of capturing the zest and humor that Ritchie is known for in his best work.
The Gentlemen on Netflix: Stylish Crime Drama with a Lack of Energy and Humor
Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix series, The Gentlemen, brings his signature style of gangster storytelling to the small screen. While it is slick and well-cast, it falls short of capturing the zest and humor that Ritchie is known for in his best work.
( Credit to: Ign )
The story revolves around British Army captain Eddie Horniman, who is forced to return home when his father, the Twelfth Duke of Halstead, is on his deathbed. Eddie unexpectedly becomes the heir to his father’s title and estate, much to the dismay of his unreliable and unstable older brother, Freddy. However, Eddie soon discovers that his father’s estate is also home to an illegal underground marijuana facility operated by a gang. This arrangement exists in various other aristocratic estates, where the owners turn a blind eye in exchange for a large sum of money.
It’s important to note that The Gentlemen on Netflix has no direct connection to the 2019 film of the same name, except for the concept of hidden marijuana operations in British aristocrats’ homes. This lack of connection can be distracting if viewers are not aware of it. I found myself wondering how Eddie’s farm fits into Matthew McConaughey’s weed empire from the film, only to realize that the film’s characters are not referenced in the show.
A Standalone British Crime Drama
Once you get past this confusion, The Gentlemen on Netflix unfolds as a standalone British crime drama. However, it lacks the humor that Ritchie is known for in films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. The characters in the series don’t quite match the memorable and comedic performances of Colin Farrell’s Coach or Hugh Grant’s slimy tabloid reporter Fletcher. The brief appearance of British comedian Guz Khan as an outlandish money launderer is a highlight, though.
In terms of the main cast, Theo James convincingly portrays Eddie, the new Duke of Halstead, with an aristocratic accent and sophistication. However, his character lacks depth and it’s unclear why he is so adept at navigating the criminal underworld. Ray Winstone shines as Bobby Glass, a role that suits him perfectly. Kaya Scodelario delivers a strong performance as the streetwise Susie, reminiscent of Michelle Dockery’s character from the film.
Surprisingly, Vinnie Jones stands out in his role as the softly spoken gamekeeper, Geoff. His quiet dignity adds an interesting and subversive element to his character. The series initially feels like a series of Grand Theft Auto missions as Eddie tries to extricate his family and home from the gang’s operation. However, it eventually settles into a clearer trajectory as it builds towards its finale.
Stylish and Well-Cast, but Lacking Energy and Humor
Overall, Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen on Netflix is a stylish and well-cast series. However, it lacks the energy and humor of his best crime capers. The episodic structure of TV doesn’t quite capture the same spark as Ritchie’s films. While it has its moments, the series falls short of the fantastic film it is supposedly based on.
In conclusion, The Gentlemen on Netflix is an entertaining crime drama, but it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by Guy Ritchie’s previous work. It’s worth a watch for fans of the genre, but don’t expect it to reach the same heights as his best films.