Helen McCrory was one of those rare talents who could transform every role she touched. From the icy poise of Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter to the fierce matriarch Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, she consistently brought depth, strength, and vulnerability to her characters. Four years after her heartbreaking passing from cancer, Fearless originally an ITV drama has found new life on Netflix, allowing audiences to experience one of her finest performances all over again.
This six-part legal thriller follows human rights lawyer Emma Banville (McCrory), who takes on the controversial case of Kevin Russell (Sam Sainsbury). Kevin has spent nearly fifteen years in prison after confessing to the murder of a schoolgirl a confession he now claims was coerced. Convinced of his innocence, Emma dives headfirst into a web of lies that stretches far beyond one man’s trial, uncovering police corruption, political cover-ups, and even links to the U.S. military.
The show is layered, gripping, and emotionally charged. McCrory commands the screen—every look, every pause, every outburst feels authentic and lived-in. Her chemistry with her colleague Dominic Truelove adds both warmth and tension to the narrative, grounding the legal chaos in human connection.
John Bishop, who plays Emma’s boyfriend Steve, brings a surprising but welcome lightness to the series. His dry wit and gentle humor cut through the intensity of the story, giving us moments to breathe. The banter between him and McCrory feels natural and real, a reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, life still has its flashes of laughter. Bishop’s presence adds a touch of humanity that keeps the show from becoming too heavy.
And while Michael Gambon’s portrayal of Sir Alastair McKinnon is powerful, I couldn’t help but see shades of Dumbledore in his delivery a comforting familiarity, yet slightly distracting at times.
The first half of the series moves slowly, carefully laying the groundwork for the explosive twists that follow. Once it hits its stride, though, Fearless becomes utterly absorbing a mix of moral complexity, political intrigue, and heartfelt storytelling.
Ultimately, Fearless feels like more than just a legal drama; it’s a reminder of how fearless Helen McCrory herself was as an artist. Her performance is commanding, compassionate, and unforgettable a fitting legacy for an actress who always gave everything to her craft.