MOVIES That I Just Saw. "Luther: The Fallen Sun." / "Finestkind."

“Luther: The Fallen Sun” (2023, Netflix) crime thriller film, serves as a film continuation of the series “Luther,” starring Idris Elba. The film is about the detective's efforts to stop a wealthy serial killer's complex schemes. Mr Elba reprises his role as police detective John Luther, with Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis. 

       Plot: David Robey, a wealthy trader and serial killer, blackmails and kidnaps cleaner Callum Aldrich. DCI John Luther is assigned to the case and promises Callum's mother, Corinne, he will find her son. Concerned about his involvement, Robey digs up dirt on the various illegal acts Luther has committed as a police officer, resulting in him being fired, prosecuted and imprisoned. 

       In case you already saw all of the “Luther” series, there’s nothing much to pine about in this movie. But Idris Elba’s quiet, burly charm stays as the insistent magnet although the presence of the always-remarkable Cynthia Erivo didn’t do much to this movie. Same with Andy Serkis. Seldom we see him without the prosthetics as Gollum in the “Lord of the Rings” saga or Caesar in “Planet of the Apes” reboots. That, in itself, is some kind of treat. 

       So if you haven’t seen the series, watch those instead. 🎥💻📽

“Finestkind” (2023, Paramount+) crime thriller drama. This indie project is written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the guy who wrote the brilliant screenplays to 1997’s “L.A. Confidential” and 2003’s “Mystic River.” Enough reason to watch this movie, which also stars the usually cool-to-watch Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster. Nice performance as well by up and coming Jenna Ortega and Clayne Crawford as the local bad boy.  

       Plot: On a visit to New Bedford, Massachusetts college alumnus Charlie pays a visit to his elder half-brother Tom Eldrige, a scallop fisherman. Disillusioned with his systematic life, he asks Tom to take him on his upcoming fishing excursion, which he reluctantly agrees to. Then trouble sets in. 

       As with the obligatory independent cinema, the story weaves through the slim structure and what we usually get is either stellar or forgettable ensemble acting. In the case of “Finestkind,” we get the finest acting. 🎥👍📽