Black Rabbit Review: Jude Law and Jason Bateman Star in a Dark Netflix Thriller
If you're looking for a gritty, intense show, Black Rabbit on Netflix might catch your eye. Starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman, this limited series dives into the messy lives of two brothers caught in a downward spiral. With a talented cast and a raw, vivid take on New York City, it’s a story that grabs you, even if it feels heavy at times. Here’s a simple, honest review of Black Rabbit to help you decide if it’s worth your time.
A Tense Start at a Trendy Restaurant
Black Rabbit kicks off with a bang. Jude Law plays Jake, a restaurant co-owner giving a heartfelt speech at his stylish Manhattan spot. He tells the crowd—full of casual diners and social climbers—that his place isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a home for friends, family, and anyone craving a great burger or a wild night out. But then, two masked men storm in, demand valuables, and point a gun at Jake’s face. It’s a shocking moment that sets the tone for the series.
The show jumps back a month to build up to this chaotic night. You’ll wonder who’s after Jake, why they’re targeting his restaurant, and how everyone makes it through. But the answers come slowly, and the show’s time-hopping style can feel frustrating.
A Story of Two Brothers
Jake runs the Black Rabbit, a hot spot in New York’s Financial District. He’s working non-stop to keep it thriving, especially with a New York Times critic coming to review it. A good review could make his restaurant a top name in the city, so he’s sleeping at the office, juggling tasks, and even asking his son to help with work texts. Jake dreams of turning the Black Rabbit into a big brand with a new, flashier location uptown. But he’s worried about bad press ruining his plans.
Then there’s Vince, played by Jason Bateman. He’s Jake’s older brother and a total mess. After hiding out in Reno, Vince shows up out of the blue. He’s scruffy, loud, and always seems angry or desperate. Bateman nails this role, playing a guy you’d never want to meet but can’t stop watching. Vince co-founded the restaurant years ago but left for reasons that aren’t clear at first. When Jake’s best bartender, Anna, starts acting strange and gets fired, Vince steps in to help. But his return stirs up trouble, and you can feel the chaos coming.
Why It’s Hard to Care
The show devotes a significant amount of time to highlighting the flaws of Jake and Vince. Jake’s stretched thin, making bad choices under pressure. Vince is selfish and reckless, dragging everyone down with him. The series keeps circling the same fights and mistakes, which can feel repetitive and draining. It’s like watching two people dig themselves deeper into a hole without much hope.
The robbery from the opening looms over everything, but the clues about it aren’t that exciting. You’ll figure out some twists early on, and the show takes too long to explain why you should root for these characters. It’s a dark ride, and not the fun kind.
What Works Well
Despite its flaws, Black Rabbit has some strong points. The directors, including Jason Bateman and Justin Kurzel, create a moody, gripping vibe. New York City feels alive, with gritty visuals that pull you in. The final episodes pick up the pace, turning into a tense, almost movie-like experience. The cast is solid, too. Jude Law is reliable as Jake, though he’s been better in other roles. Jason Bateman shines as Vince, balancing charm and chaos. Troy Kotsur, known from CODA, stands out as a tough but reasonable mobster.
Is Black Rabbit Worth Watching?
Black Rabbit tries to tackle big themes like family, money, and tough choices, similar to Bateman’s earlier hit, Ozark. But it doesn’t have the same spark or depth. The show feels heavy, with little joy to balance the misery. It’s well-made, with great acting and visuals, but the story feels empty by the end. If you love dark thrillers or are a fan of Law and Bateman, you might enjoy it. But if you want a story that feels fresh or uplifting, you might want to skip this one.
Final Verdict: Black Rabbit is a moody, well-acted Netflix thriller that’s let down by a repetitive, joyless story. Watch it for the performances and New York vibes, but don’t expect to feel satisfied.
Where to Watch: Stream Black Rabbit on Netflix now.
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