Jason Bateman and Jude Law playing brothers? It might sound like an unlikely pairing for a gritty crime drama, but Netflix’s new series, “Black Rabbit,” makes it work. This show just dropped its first season, starring Bateman as Vince Friedman and Law as Jake Friedman. They’re thrown headfirst into a dark criminal underworld.
The eight-episode season kicks off with the troubled Vince disrupting his brother Jake’s settled life. Vince starts working at Jake’s restaurant, but soon, they discover Vince is being hunted by loan sharks. This pulls both brothers into a dangerous world they never expected. “Black Rabbit” is not just another show; it’s the kind of series that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
A Brilliant Acting Match-Up
Law and Bateman might not seem like obvious choices for brothers on screen. Yet, the star of “Arrested Development” and the actor from “The Talented Mr. Ripley” make it look like they were always meant for these roles. Together, they bring a heartbreaking truth to their shared past. They make good use of what they do best as actors.
Both actors technically step outside their usual types. Bateman often plays the sensible man trying to keep chaos at bay. Here, his “black sheep” version of Vince isn’t too far from his well-known Michael Bluth. Law shines as the admired golden boy. They make each other better, adding so much depth to the entire series. They are truly convincing, making us believe they’ve spent their lives loving and hating each other in equal measure.
A Story That Keeps You On Edge
If you enjoy the constant stress of certain intense movies, “Black Rabbit” will feel familiar. It carries some of the same chaotic spirit found in the Safdie brothers’ 2019 hit, “Uncut Gems.” There’s also a clear feel from “The Bear,” especially in its high-pressure restaurant setting. However, instead of Chicago, this story unfolds on the gritty streets of New York City.
Vince, much like Adam Sandler’s character Howard Ratner in “Uncut Gems,” has big debts to pay. Time is running out for him. These inspirations don’t feel like copies. Instead, they mix together brilliantly. This makes “Black Rabbit” an absorbing masterpiece, so full of tension that it’s impossible to turn away.
Gritty Neo-Noir Vibes
The urban sprawl shown in “Black Rabbit” brings to mind the style of Michael Mann and David Fincher. Cinematographers Peter Konczal and Igor Martinovic give New York City a dark green, dirty color scheme. This makes the city feel like it exists outside of time and place. New York isn’t as dangerous as it was in the 1980s, but “Black Rabbit” truly makes it feel that way.
The series also calls back to Bateman’s previous show, “Ozark,” both in its plot and visuals. It’s worth noting that Laura Linney, Bateman’s former co-star, even directed one of “Black Rabbit”’s episodes. When you create a series about the criminal world, getting the right atmosphere is key. “Black Rabbit” absolutely hits the mark.