Name: Luther: The Fallen Sun
Director: Jamie Payne
Released: 2023-03-10T13:30:00

In Luther: The Fallen Sun, the titular DCI goes to prison to face the consequences of his past while a terrifying serial killer runs amok in London. The film is streaming on Netflix.

Story

A serial killer is making people disappear in London and when John Luther is on the case, the killer makes sure he’s quickly taken off it by exposing all of his dirty secrets.

The incoming DCI Odette Raine takes over the case as John goes to prison where he is taunted by the killer. John breaks out of the prison and conducts an investigation on his own, staying one step ahead of Odette in the process.

When they finally agree to work together, they learn that the killer’s name is David Robey, a man with a troubled mind who wants to support people like him who cannot control their sick urges.

John and Odette draw closer to David after he kidnaps Odette’s daughter to be a part of his game. His big plans are eventually thwarted by the two investigators as John is vindicated for his actions.

Performances

Idris Elba has a trademark British charisma that he lends to this character but it doesn’t feel impressive or entertaining enough. It’s a gruff performance that barely gets out of second gear.

Andy Serkis is an immensely talented actor and he occasionally excites as the villain, David Robey. However, he’s let down by the construction of the character and Serkis does his best with what he’s given.

Cynthia Erivo plays DCI Odette Raine and her performance is quite bland. Apart from the few moments of distress involving her daughter, Erivo doesn’t really inspire as a lead investigator and falls under Elba’s shadow.

Positives

There are several action sequences that are well choreographed, right from the cinematography to the background score. The prison breakout sequence is gritty and intense and one of the standouts of the film.

The gloomy nature of London is captured perfectly and is a character on its own. Many of the locations in the film have a certain charm to them that works perfectly for the tone of the film.

Negatives

The story is rushed and isn’t given time to breathe. Serkis’s villain is introduced from the offset and his backstory and motivations are only revealed towards the end to very little or no impact.

There’s nothing new or unique about the narrative and that makes the film quite flat. There are no moments of true intrigue and David’s plans are the only time there is a sense of urgency.

The film doesn’t necessarily connect well with the rest of the series and acts more as a stand-alone film to bring in a wider audiences and that diminishes the narrative.

Verdict

Luther: The Fallen Sun is an average return to the big screen for the titular investigator and the film wastes the incredible talents of Andy Serkis with a less-than-satisfactory script and uneven story-telling.