Netflix’s Black Doves is a Slow-Burning Spy Thriller with Sincerity

Black Dove’s six-part Netflix show offers a gripping exploration of secrecy, betrayal and the subterfuge of London’s criminal underworld and spy networks. 

At its core, this series is a slow burner about spy sleeper-cell Helen (Kiera Knightly), a woman who is married to on the rise MP Wallace Web (Andrew Buchan) and trapped in a web of lies that could threaten everything that she holds dear. 

Helen had embarked on a passionate affair with a man who didn’t know her secret identity and her world unravels when her lover gets shot on a bench on the Southbank in London. As the danger increases Helen’s friend Sam comes to protect her. Sam is an assassin for hire or in Sam’s words “a triggerman”. 

While the Black Doves takes a couple of episodes to get going, the slow buildup eventually gives way to a tense, exciting, action-packed story. The plot draws you in, especially as the stakes rise, but it’s the chemistry and evolving relationship between Helen and Sam that truly anchors the series. The friendship that develops between the two protagonists is one of the show’s most poignant aspects, showcasing the power of trust and human connection amidst chaos. Their dynamic feels real and layered, and it’s a joy to watch as they lean on each other in moments of crisis.

Ben Whishaw’s performance as Sam is the heart of the show and he is one of only a few characters that you feel sympathy for. Most of the others are stone cold if quirky killers. His portrayal of a man with quiet intensity and a deep compassionate nature brings emotional depth to an otherwise gritty world of crime. 

Kiera Knightly always brings strong performances to her roles and her portrayal of Helen is subtle, she captures her vulnerability and the complexities involved between the two worlds she navigates . 

The supporting characters were brilliant, two that stood out were Williams (Ella Lily Hyland) and Eleanor (Gabrielle Creevy) as unhinged killers for hire, which provided with some comedy relief which lightens up the mood. 

As always Sarah Lancashire as the shadowy leader of the Black Doves adds charisma to proceedings. 

The script is not overcomplicated and there are not many pointless red herrings to distract from the intrigue. The action scenes are well choreographed. 

The series mixes suspense, emotional depth, unexpected twists, making it an intriguing addition to Netflix’s growing roster of crime thrillers.

The ending gives the distinct possibility that a second season could be on the cards. 

Really worth a watch.