As a fan of the Luther TV series, I was excited to see Idris Elba reprise his role as DCI John Luther in the film continuation ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun.’ Released on Netflix recently, the crime thriller film directed by Jamie Payne and written by Neil Cross didn’t disappoint. The movie opens with a gripping and suspenseful introduction, giving the audience a glimpse of what’s to come. We are introduced to David Robey, played by the remarkable Andy Serkis, a wealthy trader and a serial killer. Robey’s meticulously planned and gruesome crimes catch the attention of DCI John Luther, who is assigned to the case. However, things take a turn for the worse when Robey digs up dirt on Luther’s past and gets him fired, prosecuted, and imprisoned. Years later, Robey re-emerges and begins a new killing spree. He coaxes the parents of his victims to a house where he burns their children’s corpses. This sets the stage for the rest of the film, where Luther must race against time to apprehend Robey and bring him to justice.

The story is engaging and keeps the audience on edge until the end. While the film isn’t a suspenseful ‘whodunit’ as the audience already knows the perpetrator beforehand, it still maintains a steady pace throughout, making it more of a cat-and-mouse story where the audience journeys with Luther to catch the perpetrator with the evidence.

Despite being an absolute thriller, some audiences may find the story a bit predictable though. There are moments in the film where one can feel they have watched the particular plot before. The film in no way compares to the TV series. The film’s strength lies in its compelling performances. Idris Elba once again delivers a charismatic and intense portrayal of DCI John Luther, who is haunted by his past and struggles to make peace with his conscience. His performance captures Luther’s inner turmoil and determination with subtlety and intensity, which is a delight to watch. However, it’s Andy Serkis who steals the show as the unhinged serial killer, David Robey. Serkis channels his inner Joker and delivers a rather creepy performance. Despite rocking a rather questionable and distracting wig, Serkis still manages to turn in an impressive performance that leaves a lasting impact. One thing I particularly appreciate about the film was how it projects violence without visually showing a lot of blood and gore. This approach lets the audience focus more on the character, story, and plot than being visually simulated with violent scenes. The film’s supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Cynthia Erivo playing DCI Odette Raine, the new head of Serious and Serial Crime, and Dermot Crowley as retired DSU Martin Schenk, who provides Luther with valuable insights and assistance. The film’s cinematography and sound design are top-notch, with stunning visuals and immersive sound effects that enhance the film’s suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere. Luther’s soundtrack is also noteworthy, with an intense and haunting score that perfectly complements the film’s dark and gritty tone. Who should watch it? ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ is a well-executed crime thriller film that is a must-watch for fans of the Luther TV series. While the story may feel familiar at times, the film successfully maintains the tension and intrigue of the TV show while presenting a new and engaging storyline. The film’s compelling performances, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design make it a cinematic experience that shouldn’t be missed. While it may not be perfect, the film is still enjoyable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGK5qtXuc1Q Luther: The Fallen Sun Genre: Crime/thriller Rating: 3 stars Director: Jamie Payne Actors: Idris Alba, Andy Serkis Run time: 2hr 9mins