Guy Ritchie’s signature style, known for its sharp wit and fast-paced narrative, has transitioned from the big screen to the streaming world with Netflix’s new series “The Gentlemen.” The show, which is a spin-off of Ritchie’s 2019 film, introduces a fresh cast and storyline while maintaining the essence of the original movie.
“The world of The Gentlemen is a little bit of me. We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast.” ~ From an interview Guy Ritchie did with Netflix last year.
The series brings a touch of British aristocracy to the gangster genre. It kicks off with British Army captain Eddie Horniman, portrayed by Theo James, who is called back home due to his father’s failing health. Upon his return, Eddie is thrust into the role of heir to the family estate and the clandestine marijuana operation hidden beneath it. This underground enterprise is part of a network of similar operations, all under the estates of aristocrats who turn a blind eye for a hefty sum.
While the series shares the concept of concealed cannabis farms with the film, it stands as a standalone drama, with no characters from the movie making an appearance. Instead, viewers are treated to a new ensemble, including Daniel Ings as Eddie’s unpredictable older brother Freddy, and the formidable duo of Ray Winstone’s Bobby Glass and Kaya Scodelario’s Susie, who run the operation.
“The Gentlemen” on Netflix unfolds as a serviceable British crime drama, albeit with less humor than one might expect from Ritchie. The show is slickly shot and easy to digest, offering a narrative that, while not as humorous as the creator’s previous works, still provides regular entertainment.
The series premiered on March 7 and is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. You can also watch its trailer below.