Starring: Graham Norton and guests: Cher/Keira Knightley/Michael Fassbender/Josh Brolin/Jalen Ngonda (2024)
Plot
Helen begins a passionate affair with a man who has no idea what her secret identity is. Helen’s employer calls Sam to protect her when her lover falls victim to London’s dangerous underworld. Bingo, the owner of the guitar shop where Sam acquired his gun, is played by Rat Scabies, a member of the classic punk band The Damned.
My Review – Black Doves streaming on Netflix My Review
8.5/10 Remember those great British sentimental Christmas movies like Love Actually and Last Christmas no Black Doves, surprisingly includes these festive moments in its six dramatic episodes. I say incredible because this British spy thriller has some very violent moments with shootings, executions and some very dark moments, but these scenes are almost comical, or maybe like many people I have become somewhat desensitized to violence on TV and in films. Skillfully directed by Alex Gabassi and Lisa Gunning and written by Joe Barton, Black Pigeons stars Ben Whishaw, Keira Knightley and Sarah Lancashire in fine form, playing very shady characters who live double lives and work together and independently to solve the assassination of a prominent Chinese diplomat.
Reed is a real scene-stealer in Black Doves
He plays a very different role than I have seen Ben play before. Wishaw plays Helen Webb’s friend Sam Young, played by Keira Nightly. These two unlikely skilled hitmen work for their ruthless boss Reed, played by Sarah Lancashire, which is another big departure from her usual police inspector roles.
selling secrets to the highest bidder regardless of national allegiance
Black Doves is fast-paced and has many interesting characters, including Helen’s husband Wallace, a powerful and ambitious politician who forgets his wife’s double life until the dramatic climax. Another supporting role I enjoyed was Kathryn Hunter as Lenny Lines, another ruthless assassin recruiter. As I mentioned earlier, I was surprised by some of the lighter touches in the snow scenes, Christmas carols and the gift-giving around the tree, which I thought added another dimension to a very dark series.
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I suspect and hope we see another series from Black Doves, it’s a quality production. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month.