Black Rabbit Review: Netflix’s Next Great Show is Ucut Gems Meets The Bear

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The forthcoming Netflix series “Black Rabbit” moves at a deliberate pace, without skimping on action – it could almost be renamed “A Series of Unfortunate Events” given its slow yet eventful progression. Creators Zach Baylin and Kate Susman prefer to let these events simmer, setting the stage for an intriguing drama. Starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman in unconventional roles, “Black Rabbit” presents a captivating story that reeks of wealth yet wallows in the squalor typical of society’s down-and-out. This contradiction forms the heart of the series, much like the two contrasting elements that stood out most vividly throughout its 8 episodes.

In a fresh and engaging rewording:

Black Rabbit infuses the intense, confined suspense of Uncut Gems with a sibling-centric work environment similar to that seen in The Bear. The narrative revolves around Law’s character, Jake, who runs a New York eatery that neighbors Sandler’s KMH jewelry store. His team bonds through family ties, but they face challenges from their past and mounting pressures that could potentially shatter the entire operation. The tight-knit atmosphere is reminiscent of The Bear, and when Jake’s brother Vince (portrayed by a scruffy Bateman) arrives with his own set of troubles, turmoil ensues.

The series has a strong impact, albeit starting gradually, and shows an impressive confidence given its new creators. However, one minor drawback lies in the varying identities of the episodes as Bateman gives way to Laura Linney (known for her work on Ozark), followed by Ben Semanoff (also from Ozark), and finally Justin Kurzel for two-episode arcs. The storylines sometimes lack a unified flow, but overall, it’s quite impressive. Here’s a brief overview of the show:

Black Rabbit’s Positives

  • Jude Law and Jason Bateman are both excellent.
  • The building tension is very reminiscent of Uncut Gems, and gets delightfully claustrophobic at times. Provided you like your entertainment with a side of anxiety, of course.
  • A strong supporting cast is headlined by newcomer Forrest Weber.
  • The soundtrack is legitimately incredible.

Black Rabbit’s Negatives

  • 8 episodes of an hour run-time is a lot of time to fill, and some of the secondary storylines and characters feel a little like padding. A shorter run could have cut some of the parts that dragged.
  • The subplot concerning SA feels oddly shoe-horned in and underserved.
  • Jason Bateman feels very slightly miscast when everyone keeps telling you how much of a grimy scumbag he is, and he’s just a more disheveled and hairier version of his usual likeable self.
  • Despite being brothers, Jude Law and Bateman have completely different accents.

Black Rabbit No-Spoiler Review

Initially, I had concerns about Law’s casting since he doesn’t quite embody the gritty New York vibe, yet that might be precisely the intention. “Black Rabbit” explores the deception of appearances to some extent, and it delves into the destructive consequences that surface when truth emerges. The plot is filled with a Game of Thrones-like web of betrayal and counter-betrayal, and the most captivating aspect is watching Jake and Vinny lose more grip on their situation. The unpredictable swings in fortune can be compared to HBO’s outstanding “The Penguin,” albeit Vinny doesn’t quite reach the extreme caricature of Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb, but his fortunes rising and falling dramatically are strikingly similar.

Although I’ve drawn numerous comparisons to other productions, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Black Rabbit stands independently with its intricate and subtle world-building. The portrayal of New York in the series is both eerily fantastical and mundanely familiar. The ensemble cast, featuring Amaka Okafor as Roxie, a chef under pressure, Troy Kotsur as the menacing Joe Mancuso, Chris Coy as his enforcer Babbit, and Forrest Weber as Junior Mancuso – who bears an uncanny resemblance to Wilson Bethel’s lean twin – truly shines. Noteworthy mention is due to Weber for his powerful portrayal of Junior, a key element in the series’ exploration of legacy, which intertwines with Vinny’s story as events unfold.

You might rephrase that statement as:

Is Black Rabbit truly a great show? My conclusion is yes, although with a few reservations. The series demands a degree of patience and trust in the early stages due to its strong build-up. The unique approach to time manipulation, where key events are foreshadowed at the climax before diving back into the past, keeps things engaging and prevents the narrative from dragging on unnecessarily. While Netflix has undeniably produced a television series that rivals HBO’s quality, it occasionally veers off course in some of its creative decisions, and certain aspects could have been developed more thoroughly. However, these shortcomings are counterbalanced by the show’s stylish execution overall.

Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5

All 8 episodes of Black Rabbit will release on September 18 on Netflix.

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2025-09-08 00:40