DRAMA THRILLERS: “Black Rabbit.” / “Insomnia.”

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“Black Rabbit” (Netflix) crime thriller. Premise: When the owner of a New York City hotspot allows his chaotic brother back in his life, he opens the door to escalating dangers that threaten to bring down everything he's built.



       Jude Law is Jake, the club owner; Jason Bateman is his erring older brother Vince. Before I type up more, be forewarned that this series, like other Hollywood-made series/movies these days, is annoyingly dimly-lit. The usual rationale is “artistic” blah, of course. If it's okay for you to squint your eyes all through the 8-episode nonstop drama and thrill ride, go ahead. 

       This series isn't bad at all. Of course the Law/Bateman stress duo interplay is fun to watch. The story is credibly exhilarating, the character responses are believable, the sound editing is effectively jarring, and the production design fits the sentiment (irrelevant of the irksome lighting). And the ensemble acting is A-grade. All good.

       Check it out. But wear your eyeglasses. 🎥💻📽


“Insomnia” (Hulu) British thriller, adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s 2022 novel. A mother approaching her 40th birthday must investigate her past as she develops insomnia. The series has the obligatory trappings of a psychological mystery but nothing that we haven’t seen before. (Plus the last 2 or 3 episodes seemed implausible, contrived, or just downright fantastic.) 


       Vicky McClure is Emma, the desperately confused mom and also a family (or divorce) lawyer. Ms McClure delivered a credible performance, no problem–but I’d rather see her as Kate Fleming (in “Line of Duty”) or Lana Washington (in “Trigger Point”). Or maybe my mind has already typecast her? Credit as well to the intense but controlled acting of Leanne Best as Emma’s sister Phoebe. And the usually awesome Lyndsey Marshal is here, too. 🎥💻📽


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