‘Black Doves’ review: Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw’s festive spy is a gift

Despite the long history of this genre in Britain, lovers of espionage and assassins have a new era, and the popularity of It’s a day of celebration in fact to put an amazing power in a gray area, which is not at all similar to the outside (hello, writing in London, send sunshine).

The latest, Black Pigeonsnot only does it infuse the cold months of the year with stress and action, but it’s a proper festive cheer, with Christmas trees and twinkling lights and dramatic murder scenes, secret meetings, and violent battles. The festive look doesn’t have to be contained to the cozy confines of A holiday or simply viewing Netflix specials (although I like these). If you really like comics but still want a seasonal theme, fire away Black Pigeons.

What Black Pigeons about?

Created and written by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project) and directed by Alex Gabassi (The crown) and Lisa Gunning (Power), Black Pigeons it’s an espionage game set at the end of December – yes, like that Die Hardbut this Christmas action watch you’ll have an easy time defending yourself as one.

The series stars Knightley as Helen Webb, a philanthropist, mother, and spy for a private spy agency called Black Doves, which works for a top seller. Undercover, she is married to Secretary of Defense Wallace Webb (Broadchurchof Andrew Buchan) who don’t know that last part at all, and so do their children. When Justice Minister Jason Davies (Bullet TrainAndrew Koji) turns up murdered on the banks of the Thames, Helen’s carefully crafted cover sits on a knife’s edge as she investigates. Yes, she knew Jason, and yes, the spark of a world crisis will cause Helen to reunite with her old colleague, founder Sam (Ben Whishaw), to uncover the answers. And they both report to M, spymaster Reed (Happy ValleySarah Lancashire).

Sarah Lancashire is the perfect detective as Reed.
Credit: Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Ancient thrillers here: Full of seemingly unconnected mass murders! The Chinese ambassador is dead and his daughter is missing! There’s a killer in the kitchen! And for reasons you just have to enjoy, it’s all set for Christmas – we’re talking Oxford Street lights, shady deals inside the Liberty department store, angry lounge battles with candy-striped tea towels, tinsel all around. the best signed CHESTNUTS sold on the Thames. The characters even wear tinsel scarves and Santa hats and shoot guns on the job.

While Black Pigeons doesn’t bring back the fun of espionage, the series boasts strong twists, solid action, and electrifying performances from its main characters, all of which seem to be having a really good time. And at the heart of it all are two delightful BFFs.

Knightley and Whishaw are smart, modern spies

Friends who train for men’s jobs together live together.
Credit: Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Knightley and Whishaw have a chemistry that works hard as their old spy colleagues, with flashbacks that give them plenty of tension, training sessions, close calls, and humor to build a long friendship for their characters. For the most part, this is Knightley in Official Secrets mode, not his previous signature drama mode, and he makes his own mark on the well-dressed secret provider character (think America, with a sad little test of secret identity). Mastering hand-to-hand combat and awkward cross-examination, delivering the dialogue of a spy-in-residence, and downing tequila like a “Russian submarine captain” Knightley seems to have a ball as Helen.

Meanwhile, the marmalade-less Wishaw is enjoying himself as the golden-haired assassin Sam, a far cry from his previous detective work. James Bond’s mild-mannered gadget boss Q. As Eddie Redmayne’s character in the It’s a day of celebrationSam’s murderous work is meticulous, cold, and ruthless, while his personality is debonair, warm, and vulnerable. Sipping champagne in many scenes, understandably looking for her Big Ex, and fighting to kill people for money, Sam has to figure out what his code is. But Knightley can’t do all the hand-to-hand combat, as Whishaw throws punches again.

Omari Douglas steals hearts and scenes as Michael.
Credit: Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Lancashire, on the other hand, is the brilliant spy of the show, his stern glare and subtle menace echoing in every scene and disrupting his reports. All are supported by an excellent supporting cast, with highlights including screen legend Kathryn Hunter (Front Room) as the brilliant triggermen boss Lenny Lines, It is a sin star Omari Douglas like Michael, the love of Sam’s life, too Fifteen-LoveElla Lily Hyland as the cold-blooded young killer Williams. Douglas in particular is an excellent romantic lead, and the scenes with Whishaw are exhilarating with longing and lost love.

If you’re looking for more killer-for-hire fun, small-town Christmas festivals in barns, Black Pigeons an impressive clock that simply comes with decorated halls. A real gift.

How to view: Black Pigeons now streaming on Netflix.