Black Rabbit Review

Fans of Ozark rejoice! Not only does Black Rabbit also star Jason Bateman, but it replicates the tension, humour and messy family dynamics that made Ozark one of Netflix’s biggest hits. This 8 part limited series struggles slightly with momentum at times, but it’s certainly gripping enough to be your next binge watch.

Jake (Jude Law) and Vince (Jason Bateman) are brothers with a turbulent history in the restaurant industry. Their brotherly bond is rocky, but it’s clear they genuinely care about each other. Jake runs an upscale, critically acclaimed restaurant and bar, with lofty dreams of expanding the business. When Vince comes back into the picture after years of absence, he brings his troubled past with him. This really does feel a lot like Ozark in tone and spirit. It builds a growing sense of anxiety surrounding these brothers, which sweeps into the lives of everyone around them. There’s levity - mostly from Bateman’s iconic witty delivery, but this is a mostly a heavy, slow burn, stress inducing watch.

Black Rabbit still: brothers Jake and Vince

Bateman and Law are terrific as leads, playing expertly off one another. Vince and Jake may be family, but their clashing personalities frequently lead to tense and even hilarious confrontations. The two actors share a rapport that truly makes them feel like brothers, and apart from Law’s American accent being a little wonky sometimes, their familial bond feels authentic.

Troy Kotsur plays a powerful loan shark, and though he doesn’t have a ton of screen time, his presence is always felt. Without speaking even a single word of dialogue, he brings a frightening level of intimidation to the role. The scenes between Kotsur, Bateman and Law are some of the best moments in the entire series.

Black Rabbit is a cross between Ozark and Uncut Gems, with a dash of The Bear’s culinary stress thrown in for good measure. Jason Bateman and Jude Law’s rocky brotherly dynamic will keep you coming back for more, even when this limited series struggles to maintain the anxiety inducing momentum it should have.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review by: Benjamin Garrett

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