After a four-year hiatus, “Luther: The Fallen Sun” has finally arrived on Netflix, much to the delight of fans of the hit BBC series. The film, which continues the story of the disgraced former detective John Luther, has been met with generally positive reviews since its release on March 10, 2023.
Idris Elba returns to his iconic role as John Luther, who finds himself serving time in prison after the events of the series finale. However, Luther’s life takes an unexpected turn when a cyber serial killer begins to terrorize London, prompting Luther to break out of prison in pursuit of the killer.
In addition to Elba, “Luther: The Fallen Sun” features returning cast members Dermot Crowley as Luther’s former boss and mentor, DSU Martin Schenk. New additions to the cast include Cynthia Erivo as Janelle Cooper, a skilled hacker who assists Luther in his pursuit of the cyber serial killer, and Andy Serkis as the elusive and dangerous killer himself.
The film was written by Neil Cross, the creator of the original series, and directed by Jamie Payne. The production took place in London, and the film’s runtime is two hours.
Fans of the original series will appreciate the continuation of Luther’s story, which explores both the character’s haunted past and his pursuit of justice in the present. However, some critics have criticized the film as a potentially needless attempt at reimagining a story that has already concluded.
Despite the mixed reviews, “Luther: The Fallen Sun” is an exciting addition to the “Luther” universe. The film features strong performances from its cast and a compelling storyline that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout elements of the film is its production design, which creates a gritty and atmospheric portrayal of London. The film’s cinematography, done by Adriano Goldman, captures the city’s dark and moody streets, while the visual effects, done by DNEG, bring the cyber serial killer’s digital world to life.
The film’s score, composed by Paul Haslinger, is also worth noting. The score complements the film’s tense and suspenseful moments, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film.
While “Luther: The Fallen Sun” is a continuation of the original series, it stands on its own as a thrilling and engaging crime drama. The film’s story is accessible to both fans of the series and newcomers to the “Luther” universe.
For those who want to catch up on the original series before watching the film, all five seasons of “Luther” are available to stream on Hulu. The series, which premiered in 2010, was a critical and commercial success, earning Elba a Golden Globe award for his performance as Luther.
The success of “Luther” can be attributed in part to its unique and complex protagonist. John Luther is a flawed and troubled character, haunted by his past and struggling to find his place in the world. Elba’s performance brings depth and nuance to the character, making him a relatable and sympathetic figure despite his flaws.
In addition to Elba’s performance, the series is known for its dark and atmospheric tone, which creates a sense of unease and tension throughout each episode. The series also features strong supporting performances from its cast, including Ruth Wilson as Luther’s nemesis, Alice Morgan, and Warren Brown as Luther’s loyal colleague, DS Justin Ripley.
Overall, “Luther: The Fallen Sun” is a worthy addition to the “Luther” universe, providing fans with a thrilling continuation of John Luther’s story. The film’s strong cast, gripping storyline, and impressive production design make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and fans of the original series alike.
