BLACK RABBIT

This 8 episode mini series stars Jude Law and Jason Bateman as brothers Jake and Vince. Jake is a diligent, part-owner of the popular NYC restaurant Black Rabbit who seemingly has his life under control, while Vince is a chaotic, freeloading addict drowning in $140,000 debt. In their younger years, the brothers were in a moderately successful grunge band, called ‘The Black Rabbits’. When local thugs demand money owed to them by Vince, it sets off a disastrous chain of events that disrupt the brothers lives and impact their friends and colleagues. Law and Bateman have a convincing dynamic, capturing a complex mix of brotherly obligation and resentment. They push each other’s buttons and constantly bicker. With his unkept appearance, imbecilic decisions, and wise-cracking remarks at inopportune moments, Vince is not entirely likable, but he provides moments of humour. He constantly draws Jake into his conflicts and never takes responsibility for his actions. From the creator of Ozark, the similarities between the shows are evident. Both feature a gritty undercurrent of suspense, contain elements of violence, have high production values, showcase excellent writing, and star a talented cast. However Black Rabbit firmly establishes its own identity with a gripping story, and it doesn’t crossover into Ozark territory. The end of each episode will leave you hanging out for more. A dark top notch drama worth bingeing.