The Gentlemen Movie Review: Kaya Scodelario Shines in Guy Ritchie's Stylish yet Disappointing Film

Inspired by the 2019 film, The Gentlemen, the 2024 series of the same name from the minds of Guy Ritchie and Matthew Read, continues to explore the idea of grand English estates sitting on top of a lucrative underworld. While none of the characters or events of the film transfer over, the idea is that these two projects could exist in tandem.

Right off the bat, the series feels more intimate, a back-to-basics approach from Ritchie. The story heavily relies on familial dynamics as a means to explore the criminal underbelly of the English countryside and blends Ritchie’s signature stylistic choices, such as exaggerated zooms, slow motion, and rapid cuts. The directors assembled maintain continuity, forgoing any individual choices for a cohesive look and feel. The narrative and archetypes are familiar, making this a Guy Ritchie project through and through. This means the writing leaves much to be desired, but at least The Gentlemen looks good and entertains quite a bit.

Guy Ritchie Once Again Fails To Go Beyond Writing "Cool" Characters

Theo James sits on a couch in a suit in The Gentlemen series - Guy Ritchie Once Again Fails To Go Beyond Writing "Cool" Characters

Eddie Halstead (Theo James) is the main character in the story, an honorable second son of an aristocratic family. He possesses qualities such as being steady, calm, assured, and intelligent, making him the ideal candidate to lead his family. On the other hand, his older brother Freddy (Daniel Ings) is loud, obnoxious, spoiled, and a liability. Their sister Charlotte is not given much importance. The central focus of the story revolves around the relationship between Eddie and his brother.

The turning point in the story occurs when Freddy's decisions and the revelation that their father was collaborating with a weed kingpin lead Eddie on a series of wild and adventurous escapades. His ultimate goal is to break free from Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario), who is currently in charge of the weed operation on his property, and her father Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone). While the plot elements provide excitement and intrigue, Ritchie and Read overlook a crucial aspect of storytelling — character development.

As Susie and Eddie banter and grow closer, Scodelario's presence adds energy to the show, which the writing often overlooks.

James, a talented actor, also possesses good looks and a classic British accent that suit him well in his role as a charming romantic lead in historical dramas. In The Gentlemen, James is expected to exude charm and sophistication. However, the show's emphasis on style sometimes overshadows substance, leaving little room for character depth in the writing. James portrays a character who could have been more eccentric and interesting in his portrayal.

Eddie may come off as a perfectionist with a bit of a tense demeanor, but he truly values integrity over material wealth and power. Despite this, he carries himself with the air of someone who could handle both with dignity, much like Prince Harry. He would gladly give up his status to live a simpler life, but doing so would mean cutting ties with his egotistical brother, kind sister, dependable mother, and loyal groundskeeper.

Although Eddie is expected to be a steady presence, he finds himself caught up in a complex drug scheme that only grows more chaotic. Surprisingly, he remains unfazed and unchanged by the turmoil, with his determination for control only getting stronger. Some may argue that Ritchie overlooked the need for Eddie to have a more defined personality, even if it isn't as wildly erratic as Freddy's.

Kaya Scodelario Shines With A Dynamic Role That Saves The Gentlemen

Kaya Scodelario sits at a table outside in Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen series - Kaya Scodelario Shines With A Dynamic Role That Saves The Gentlemen

It's quite a miracle that the only character with a real character development is Susie, played by Scodelario. In Richie's projects, there is usually a lack of focus on female characters, even when top actresses are cast. However, Scodelario always manages to shine regardless of the material she is given, and in The Gentlemen, she finally gets a chance to showcase her talent.

At the start, Susie is portrayed similarly to Michelle Dockery's character in the original film. She is a strong, clever woman who stands out in a world dominated by foolish, aggressive men. Always calm, seldom showing emotions, and consistently dressed in striking red lipstick and high heels. Luckily, Susie becomes the focal point of the series as she is pushed into a defensive position.

Netflix may not always be reliable when it comes to renewing shows, but the potential for a sequel series or season 2 is strong with Susie Glass's storyline.

Unlike James, Scodelario's portrayal of Susie allows for a deeper exploration of her character. Susie's flaws and quirks are gradually revealed as she grows and changes, showing her complexity beyond just being eye candy or a romantic interest. The chemistry between Scodelario and James adds depth to their unique situation, making their interactions engaging to watch. Susie's dynamic with Eddie injects energy into the show, highlighting her importance that the writing sometimes overlooks.

Lack of Engaging Characters and Storyline Impacts Enjoyment

The Gentlemen has its ups and downs, but the real highlight comes from the power struggle between Susie and Eddie. Their battle for control over both each other and the business truly brings the show to life. While Netflix may not always be reliable with renewals, the potential explored with Susie Glass is intriguing enough to warrant a sequel or second season. Everything else in the series feels like unnecessary background noise, lacking coherence and significance. Despite this, The Gentlemen manages to maintain its appeal with its stylish presentation.

In James, the situations Eddie finds himself in are just a way to showcase Ritchie's style and humor, which can be hit or miss. Viewers seeking a light-hearted dose of entertainment may enjoy The Gentlemen. However, those expecting the same level of energy and excitement as Ritchie's films may be slightly disappointed with the TV show. And for those looking for a mix of fun characters and engaging stories, satisfaction may be only partial.

Editor's P/S:

While the series "The Gentlemen" boasts Guy Ritchie's signature style and energetic performances, particularly from Kaya Scodelario, it falls short in character development and engaging storytelling. The focus on style over substance leaves viewers craving more depth and emotional connection. Eddie Halstead, the main character, remains a static and underdeveloped figure, while the supporting cast lacks memorable qualities. Despite its entertainment value, "The Gentlemen" fails to deliver on its potential and ultimately leaves a sense of unfulfilled expectations.

The article highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the series effectively. It praises Scodelario's performance and the show's stylish presentation while acknowledging the lack of engaging characters and storyline. The use of specific examples and references to the original film provides a clear understanding of the series' strengths and weaknesses. However, the article could benefit from a more concise conclusion that summarizes the overall impression of the series and its impact on the viewer.