‘Black Doves’ Review: Season 2 Sticks to Its Guns in Keira Knightley’s Excellent, Existential Spy Thriller
The follow-up to Joe Barton's 2024 Netflix series tracks Knightley and Ben Whishaw's best spy-friends as they fend off attacks from a separate espionage organization while trying to square their perilous professional lives with their personal relationships, identity, and purpose.
Season 2 of "Black Doves" on Netflix delivers a thrilling and engaging spy drama, led by Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. The series, based on creator Joe Barton's spy thriller, features colorful, hyper-stylized elements reminiscent of a graphic novel. Helen Webb (Knightley) is an undercover operative for the top-secret Black Doves, a for-profit espionage agency, while her best friend Sam Young (Whishaw) is a disgraced hitman who now works as a freelancer.
Helen's importance to the organization grows as her husband/target, Wallace (Andrew Buchan), becomes Prime Minister. However, their relationship becomes increasingly strained due to Wallace's mistrust. When Helen's handler Reed (Sarah Lancashire) goes missing, Sam is arrested and offered a deal by a mysterious man (Sam Riley) to carry out four murders in exchange for his freedom and a substantial sum of money.
The series explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of betrayal, all while maintaining its signature banter and gunplay. Knightley and Whishaw deliver strong performances, with Knightley's portrayal of Helen showcasing her vulnerability and determination. Whishaw's character is heartbreaking as he deals with his isolation and guilt over his career choices.
Supporting cast members such as Ambika Mod, Gabrielle Creevy, and Sarah Lancashire also deliver solid performances. Mod brings a witty repartee to her role as Laila Joshi, a chatty Black Dove, while Creevy's characters, young contract killers Ella Lily Hyland and Eleanor (Gabrielle Creevy), receive more depth in this season.
Production design, costume design, and make-up contribute to the show's overall appeal, making London look sleek and vibrant. However, the show is not without its flaws. Neve Campbell's underutilized role as a Department of Defense representative and the suspension of disbelief regarding Helen Webb's anonymity as the Prime Minister's wife are notable issues. With these considerations, "Black Doves" Season 2 remains an enjoyable, stylish, and thoughtfully crafted spy drama.
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