Review: ‘Black Doves’ on Netflix Is a Gift of a Spy Thriller
Black Doves: The Ultimate Spy Thriller Experience
Written by Roxana Hadadi, a critic for Vulture who reviews television, movies, and aspects of pop culture.
Happy holidays! Get ready for some thrilling spy entertainment! As we close out the year, there’s a wealth of espionage options available: Eddie Redmayne is taking on an old-man disguise in The Day of the Jackal; Ted Danson is lurking in a retirement home in A Man on the Inside; you can enjoy smart, engaging discussions about espionage in The Agency, while Lioness presents a more heavy-handed approach. Each of these shows has its own unique appeal, but only one truly captures the essence of the genre while adding some extra charm: vibrant characters, dynamic world-building, fast-paced action, and witty banter. Oh, and let’s not forget about Ben Whishaw’s fabulous hair and Keira Knightley grinning like she might just devour you. Black Doves stands out as the quintessential spy thriller, with every element harmoniously aligned for an entertaining experience.
Created by Joe Barton, known for his previous work in the crime genre with the acclaimed Giri/Haji, Black Doves takes its name from the secretive spy agency central to the story. This organization operates by selling secrets to the highest bidder across the globe. The show centers on deep-cover agent Helen (played by Knightley), her loyal sidekick and driver Sam (Whishaw), and their supervisor Reed (Sarah Lancashire, who brings a strong performance reminiscent of Margo Martindale's tough mentor roles). Following the murder of Helen’s partner Jason (Andrew Koji) in the opening episode, Helen is left shattered and frantic for both the truth and vengeance. Her quest for answers drives her to jeopardize her carefully crafted identity as a seemingly content housewife married to the U.K.’s Defense Secretary. To shield Helen from direct involvement, Reed enlists Sam, who has been away from the U.K. for seven years after a mission went awry.
With the characters back together and Reed watching from a distance, *Black Doves* races through an intricately woven plot filled with intriguing twists. Flashbacks reveal how the trio first came to join forces, and the intense action scenes will have you thinking, "Wow, Paddington really knows how to kill." The conclusion is superb and perfectly paves the way for Netflix's already confirmed second season. What more could you ask for in a spy thriller? *Black Doves* feels like a more polished version of *The Gentlemen*, or what *Alias* might have been with some swearing and a lot more gore, or if *Gangs of London* had snappier dialogue and lighter relationships. And as for *The Diplomat*… well, it’s really nothing like that. (And that’s a good thing!) Here are five reasons to appreciate *Black Doves*.
This section contains spoilers for Black Doves, including the conclusion, but we’ll try to keep them somewhat unclear.
Black Doves doesn't completely steer clear of real-world politics. Helen's husband, Wallace, whom she was instructed to charm and marry when she joined the Black Doves a decade ago, has climbed the ranks in the British Conservative Party to become the Defense Secretary. Throughout this time, Helen has been sharing confidential information with Reed about the country's dealings and talks with Saudi Arabia, China, and other nations. A key storyline this season revolves around the murder of the Chinese ambassador to the U.K., the mysterious disappearance of his party-loving daughter, and the killings of Jason and two of his friends—crimes that implicate some of Wallace's associates. However, the main emphasis isn't really on the blame game among the British, Chinese, and Americans. Instead, it focuses on the shadowy figures monitoring those talks and finding ways to exploit the situation for their gain. Black Doves captures the vibe of a mix between John Wick and Guy Ritchie's films, effectively expanding its universe filled with assassins, spies, and crime bosses.
The chemistry between Knightley and Whishaw plays a significant role in this story. In both their present scenes and flashbacks, they share a sharp, sarcastic, yet endearing connection that brings humor to intense moments—like when Sam dramatically saves Helen by blasting a foe and covering her in the aftermath—as well as to quieter, reflective times. Sam’s recurring promise to Helen, “Darling, I will certainly endeavor to try,” serves as a charming theme throughout their long-standing friendship. Many professional relationships in the series carry a similar depth, highlighting everything from Helen and Reed’s bitter tension to Sam and his assassin rival Williams (Ella Lily Hyland) playfully noting people each has taken out in their line of work. These characters have their own moral compasses but also lead normal lives filled with favorite holiday films, work-related facades, and shared jokes. One standout moment is when Sam gifts Helen’s children toy guns for Christmas, which adds a delightful touch to their interactions.
By keeping the international political elements of Black Doves fairly straightforward, the show allows for deeper exploration of its characters, and Whishaw seizes this chance to make Sam the heart of the series. While Helen propels the plot forward in her quest to uncover who murdered Jason and why, it’s Sam who embodies the consequences of these events. We witness how being the son of an assassin drives him to seek his father's approval, how his initial assignment shapes him into who he is, and how his heartfelt relationship with the kind-hearted artist Michael (Omari Douglas) ultimately falls apart. This destruction becomes painfully evident in a gripping moment where Sam's aspirations for a normal life crumble right before him.
Whishaw has a knack for effortlessly transitioning from a sad demeanor to a playful one. His alternating looks of frustration and charming smiles reveal the precarious situation facing Sam, Helen, and those around them, even when things are going smoothly or past conflicts are resolved. While not every spy story requires a moral compass, if a character is meant to bear the weight of such emotional struggles and express the resulting sense of isolation, Whishaw’s portrayal is hard to beat. He captures a man who is completely worn out by his work and the people in his life, yet feels unable to choose a different path.
Every espionage story requires a seasoned handler who has grown tired of their inexperienced protégés (think Martindale in The Americans or Gary Oldman in Slow Horses). Lancashire brings a sense of calm authority and mounting frustration to her role as Reed, whether she’s exclaiming “Oh, Christ” at Helen's declaration of love for Jason or orchestrating a betrayal. Throughout it all, Reed remains completely composed; Lancashire never raises her voice, doesn't seem to blink, and maintains a perfectly upright posture. She embodies a firm yet gentle presence, serving as the ideal quiet but commanding figure for Helen and Sam to interact with.
While some women may cherish a particular lipstick, Helen Webb treasures her knife. As a devoted wife and mother, she's warm and cheerful, always asking her husband Wallace about his day and finding new crafts for her twin kids. However, as an experienced Black Dove who has managed to penetrate the depths of government, she displays a sharp, quick-witted, and vengeful side. Her eagerness to jump back into action contrasts sharply with the more cautious Sam. This makes her not only a skilled fighter but also adds excitement to the series, especially during her intense action sequences. In the premiere, she takes down two assassins with grace and agility, deftly navigating their coordinated assault. And when a burglar breaks into her home, she chillingly threatens him with creative uses of her kitchen tools, delivering an almost casual warning about her “NutriBullet” that’s genuinely unsettling.
The standout scene occurs in the second-to-last episode, where she confronts her husband's assistant, who has been getting a bit too flirtatious for Helen's comfort. Helen smartly deduces that this assistant is yet another Black Dove sent by Reed. The confrontation in the jewelry store has a vibe reminiscent of "Kill Bill," as the two women exchange sharp insults before launching into a fierce and unrelenting physical brawl. They throw each other into glass display cases, use the jewelry around them as makeshift weapons, and cleverly sidestep the knocked-out store owner in the process. However, it’s the moment when Helen realizes that this murder isn't worth her time that offers an intriguing insight into her thought process regarding risk and reward. When she calls Reed to scold her for sending “a teenager to kill me,” the amused irritation in Knightley's performance indicates just how trivial this fight seems to her. Clearly, she’s capable of inflicting far worse damage with a knife.
Black Doves concludes its narrative quite successfully with a cleverly twisting sequence of discoveries mainly presented through Reed's explanations and a flashback montage. However, the emotional core is centered on Knightley, whose expressions range from shock to despair, fear, and ultimately a sense of nostalgia as she uncovers the truth behind Jason's death and her involvement in it. The storyline is well-structured, and the emotional journey resonates. Additionally, there are two other significant developments in the finale, "In the Bleak Midwinter," that hint at substantial shifts for the second season ahead.
First, we have Sam, who used to be a freelance hitman before becoming Helen's partner. He's now taken a job with someone he was meant to eliminate years ago but couldn't do it. This moment of doubt not only ended his relationship with Michael but also allowed that target to rise to prominence in London's criminal scene. So, what’s behind Sam’s decision to work for him? Is he trying to break free from the Black Doves, or is he just tired of his former boss Lenny constantly reminding him of that past failure? No matter what drives him, this new role seems to mean that Sam won't be able to collaborate with Reed or Helen anymore. This would be a significant shift for the second season, especially considering how important their chemistry was in the first season.
Finally, we see Reed in the last scene, charming a young woman in her house filled with glass windows (after all, a spy needs to monitor all approaches!). Although they don’t exchange words, it’s suggested that this woman is yet another Black Dove—one that Helen may not see coming as readily as she did with Wallace’s new aide. What challenges does Reed have planned for her former protégé? These are the intriguing questions that await us in the second season of Black Doves, which we eagerly anticipate.
