As a seasoned cinephile with decades of film and television viewing under my belt, I can confidently say that Slow Horses is one of the most compelling and intriguing shows to grace our screens in recent memory. The fourth season, now available on Apple TV+, is a testament to the power of character development, nuanced storytelling, and stellar performances, particularly from the inimitable duo of Saskia Reeves and Gary Oldman.
This interview was originally published in TopMob magazine.
Once again, Slow Horses makes its return as a hidden menace resurfaces from the chilly shadows of the Cold War era, potentially tarnishing the prestige of the Security Service. Will this danger be neutralized?
The situation largely hinges on a woman in her sixties, who tends to feel anxious and often wears a cardigan. This is Catherine Standish, a reformed alcoholic and once-assistant to the boss at Slough House, a man known for his flatulence and aggressive demeanor, named Jackson Lamb.
Standish endures Lamb’s harsh jokes and the unpleasant reality of his poor cleanliness habits. However, among all his connections, this is the one that truly seems significant to him.
Keanu Reeves mentions that he and Gary Oldman had a conversation about this topic at the start. Both of them are aware of each other’s backgrounds and can relate well. He views their characters as ‘analog’ rather than ‘digital’. While he doesn’t consider her equally intelligent, she possesses emotional intelligence.
Previously, Standish was found safe after being abducted, and she’d just learned that her esteemed ex-supervisor at MI5, Charles Partner (who she admired greatly), had collaborated with the Soviets during the Cold War and met an untimely death in a bathtub, orchestrated by her present boss, the detestable Lamb.
According to her, Oldman isn’t unattractive or unpleasant in person. “Yes, but sometimes when I read the script, I think, ‘They wouldn’t dare go there,'” says Reeves, who has worked on shows like BBC’s Wolf Hall and Shetland previously. “Gary is being really bold in this role. He’s not hiding behind padding; he’s fully exposing himself, and that motivates me as well.”
Although Oldman might have an appealing scent in person, Slough House, the Slow Horses headquarters, lacks the same charm. As Reeves explains, the meticulous attention to detail in the set design is evident. There are cobwebs on the windowsills, the radiators are corroded, the kitchen is filthy and the fridge reeks – it’s incredibly well-executed.
As for myself, Gary Oldman, who celebrated his 63rd birthday in August, is three years my senior. Since the start of my career, I’ve been admiring his exceptional talent from afar. “Gary was a contemporary of mine, residing and working in London during his time. I had the pleasure of encountering him at the Royal Court. I followed his early television performances closely. I recognized him as an exhilarating, unique, daring actor, and I appreciated his spirit of liberation. He didn’t appear to be constrained by the same challenges we faced while pursuing our acting careers.”
Her Standish maintains a reserved and peaceful demeanor yet upholds an unwavering moral integrity; traits that are sometimes overlooked by some male characters in the show. According to Reeves, this might be due to being a woman of her era, as her hair turns grey and she tends to fade into obscurity.
At times, Roddy Ho, the computer whiz and somewhat chauvinistic resident of Slough House, seems completely oblivious to Catherine’s true capabilities. It’s as if he doesn’t realize just how seasoned this woman is. If only she could shake off her self-doubt and the challenges that haunt her, she’d prove herself to be a far superior spy than any of them combined. I find that aspect of her character intriguing – her abilities, the thrill she finds in being involved in the action.
In her line of work, it’s challenging for an older woman to assert herself and gain recognition, especially when faced with prejudice related to both age and gender.
Despite featuring a young hero in Jack Lowden’s character, River Cartwright, the show, Slow Horses, primarily focuses on its senior characters. This includes the talented actors Gary Oldman, aged 64, and John Reeves, aged 77, who bring their respective roles to life. Additionally, Jonathan Pryce, also 77, portrays Cartwright’s grandfather, David, while Kristin Scott Thomas, at 64, plays Diana Taverner, the deputy director-general of MI5.
“These types of names, in my opinion, are indicative of a series that will perform well. As Gary and Kristin started working on this project, I recall, it was during the summer of 2020, right when we entered lockdown. I was feeling quite apprehensive and uncertain about the future – wondering how we would cope, what was to come. This is a brief account of the early days of Slow Horses.”
Then a voice inside my mind whispered softly, “Saskia, you’ve landed a role in a series alongside Gary Oldman. Rest assured, everything will fall into place. They’ve secured Gary, they won’t let him slip away. Everything will work out just fine.”
Four seasons have passed, and everything remains splendid, largely due to the exceptional chemistry between Reeves and Oldman. You rarely come across a series that continues for such a long time without becoming monotonous or predictable, but this one is an exception. While watching it, I was genuinely impressed, thinking, “This is extraordinary. I didn’t see this coming.”
Get ready, fellow film enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for the 4th of September, as I’ll be diving headfirst into the gripping world of “Slow Horses” season 4, exclusively on Apple TV+. Don’t miss out on the action – sign up today to secure your spot!
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2024-09-03 02:39