Upon watching the new British spy series Black Doves, one is left with mixed feelings. Here's another show attempting to mix genres but struggling to find its own footing.
Remember those classic British sentimental Christmas movies like Love Actually (2003) and Last Christmas (2019)? Black Doves borrows some of those holiday moments and blends them with the gritty, action-packed vibes of John Wick across its six dramatic episodes.
It's part assassin action, part espionage thriller, and part love story, with a Christmas setting that adds a warm, introspective undertone amid all the bloody violence.
Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, a loving mother and wife to the Minister of Defence who secretly works as a spy for a covert organisation called the Black Doves. For 10 years, Helen has been leaking her husband's secrets to her shadowy employers. However, when her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is assassinated, Helen's spymaster, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), recruits Helen's old friend Sam Young (Ben Whishaw) to protect her. Together, Helen and Sam embark on a mission to uncover who killed Jason and why, unravelling a conspiracy that links London's criminal underworld to an impending geopolitical crisis.
One of the show's highlights is creator and showrunner Joe Barton's knack for crafting quirky, chaotic and often frenetic dynamics between the multiple assassins. This approach feels distinctly British. One moment, characters are fierce enemies, the next, they're unlikely allies. While the story revolves primarily around Helen and Sam, the supporting cast delivers equally eccentric and vibrant performances.
At times, the show feels like a hybrid of Guy Ritchie's comedic action and intense relationship-driven drama. One second it's laugh-out-loud funny, the next it's emotionally gripping, and then it pivots to jaw-dropping betrayals that leave viewers exclaiming: "Wait, what?"
The rapid-fire dialogue and witty banter between characters are definite standouts, delivered with such conviction and speed that they become something viewers eagerly anticipate in every episode.
As with most espionage narratives, Black Doves leans heavily on the trope that "nothing is as it seems". Sam's LGBTQ storyline falls into familiar territory, exploring hidden identities and the peril of falling in love in a high-stakes world. While this subplot is executed competently, it lacks the complexity and freshness that might have made it more compelling. In contrast, Helen's tangled relationships are far more intricate and intriguing. Her feelings for her husband and her lover are distinct yet equally significant, adding layers to her character without tipping into melodrama.
Helen's characterisation, however, can be divisive. She's an emotional reactor, driven as much by impulse and vengeance as by her professional skills. While it's refreshing that she's not portrayed as a cold, robotic spy, her rash decisions often put her family in greater danger. This emotional volatility sometimes undermines her credibility as a seasoned covert operative. While it's essential to balance her dual roles as a mother and a spy, the show occasionally overindulges in her brooding, making her less relatable.
The series packs a lot into its six episodes, but not all of it is necessary. Some plot points feel either irrelevant or overly predictable. For example, a subplot involving a staff member of Helen's husband telegraphs its twists so blatantly that any intended suspense dissipates long before the reveal. Similarly, the flashbacks of Helen and Jason, while initially effective in conveying their romantic relationship, quickly become repetitive. Though not all these scenes feel like filler, many fail to advance the narrative meaningfully.
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While the various narrative arcs do converge by the finale, one major twist feels jarringly out of place -- as if it were shoehorned in to resolve a convoluted storyline. This abrupt escalation stretches the boundaries of believability, even within the show's fictional world. Additionally, it takes about three episodes for the series to hit its stride, a slow burn that might test some viewers' patience.
Despite its flaws, Black Doves has its merits. Knightley delivers a compelling performance, excelling in both dramatic and action-packed moments. Her fight scenes are particularly impressive, showcasing fluid choreography and a genuine sense of commitment. The action sequences are well-shot, with minimal reliance on quick cuts, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the intricacies of the combat.
Knightley's portrayal of Helen captures the character's duality -- a woman who is both a protective mother and a ruthless operative. However, Helen's lack of warmth or relatability might make it challenging for viewers to fully invest in her journey.
The overall narrative of Black Doves is convoluted. While complexity can add intrigue to espionage stories, the intersecting arcs here often feel more like distractions than clever misdirections. Red herrings detract from the pacing and dilute the show's impact. Additionally, for a series centred on spies, there's surprisingly little actual spycraft. Instead, the show leans heavily on relational drama and brooding angst to drive the plot forward.
If you're looking for a spy thriller that's light on depth but offers moments of entertainment, Black Doves might be worth a watch. The series isn't without its moments of brilliance, particularly in its performances and action sequences, but it is hampered by uneven pacing, predictable twists and a lack of narrative focus. For viewers seeking a more sophisticated espionage tale with tight writing, intricate intrigue and deeply layered characters, the search will need to continue.
Black Doves
Starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire
Created by Joe Barton
Now streaming on Netflix
