"Black Doves" was recently released on Netflix. It features Keira Knightley, of "Pirates of the Caribbean" as Helen, and Ben Whishaw as Sam. This intense, thrilling spy series keeps the audience engaged with each episode. It is for a mature audience only.
Helen is the wife of the UK Defense Secretary Wallace Webb (Andrew Buchan). She is a secret spy for the “Black Doves,” a mercenary group. When Jason (Andrew Koji), the man she is having an affair with, gets assassinated. Helen is determined to uncover the truth behind his death. This journey endangers herself and her family. She is joined by Sam, a hitman and former spy for the “Black Doves.” He is in charge of protecting her as they go on intense, dangerous missions.
Highs
The highlight of this series is Knightley’s performance as Helen. She is the perfect spy with a double life. She balances humor, action, and emotion. This is impressive, considering she is perceived as a strong, independent woman when she goes on missions. She has a fire that shows her true feelings for the ones she loves.
Another high point is the friendship between Sam and Helen. Their bond is unbreakable, and he protects her no matter the cost. He is her partner in crime and will always be there regardless of the consequences. Whishaw’s acting as Sam is impressive, considering how his character simultaneously shows his cold-hearted side and vulnerability. This gives his character depth as a hitman rather than him being seen as a psychopath.
The character depth is high as the series explores Helen and Sam's internal struggles throughout the episodes. This creates an empathic and humanizing portrayal of the spies as they debate their moral difficulties. Another highlight is the action scenes are performed amazingly. It is intense and realistic.
Williams, another hitman, is a high considering the banter between her and Sam. It keeps this humorous aspect within the intense series. Their relationship is complicated, but it slowly progresses into a deep friendship.
The last high is the fast pace of the series, which has only six episodes. These episodes take the audience on a roller coaster through finding the truth behind Jason’s murder. It is gripping and keeps the audience intrigued as each episode proceeds.
Lows
There are minimal lows in this series. The main low is the character Reed (Sarah Lancashire); she has specific motives that can be unclear at times. This creates a barrier between her and Helen, considering she is the boss of the "Black Doves."
Dani (Agnes O’Casey) is another low point because of how malicious her character’s motives are towards Helen. She possesses her life and wants to sabotage her marriage as much as possible. This shows how weak her character is and it is frustrating.
The last low is Wallace and Helen’s relationship. They are married, but Wallace seems clueless about his wife. He rarely questions where she disappears to all day, which does not make sense because she is a stay-at-home mom. This aspect lacks the connection between Wallace and Helen, which detracts from understanding their relationship.
Verdict
"Black Doves" is worth the watch, considering its thrill and intense gripping flow. It is full of suspense that keeps the audience engaged throughout each episode. It is the perfect show to binge-watch.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
