Yahoo Movies 5 Reasons You Should Watch ‘London Spy’
In case you haven’t heard, London Spy is the new BBC thriller with a love story at its heart.
Here are five reasons you need to watch it!
1. It’s not a ‘gay’ story.
Unlike other popular TV shows, London Spy is not resorting to queer baiting or fetishising to draw viewers in. Essentially the story is about guys who are gay, who happen to be in love. Rather than being a gay ‘love’ story. But boy does the love story pull you in. It wrangles and captures the viewer from the very beginning, and doesn’t let go. Leading the characters, as well us, the viewer, down the rabbit hole on an espionage adventure.
2. It’s a show about spies.
Make no qualms; despite having love at its heart, London Spy, is a spy show. A thriller, mysterious and entrancing that engages the viewer to question everything they are told. The show builds suspense like a delicate web, and by the end of the first episode, it’ll leave you wanting more. But don’t be fooled, its no Bond. There’s no action and combat. The show’s weapon of choice is secrecy, and with a twist at every turn there’s no hope of leaving with unanswered questions.
3. The cast is a who’s who of British acting talent.
With the acting talents of Ben Whishaw as the lead, Jim Broadbent as the side-kick, Mark Gatiss as the seedy druggy, and Charlotte Rampling as an enigmatic aristocrat, the BBC has spared no expense to ensure that the acting would be top notch. But who was to think otherwise? With such high profiling acting talent, it’s a testament to the quality of work that would draw the interest of the British acting elite.
4. The show is nothing but beautiful.
Intense and intimate close ups, slow and sensual panning shots, and not to mention the atmospheric mood lighting. London Spy is nothing but beautiful. The director, Jakob Verbruggen has done a job of capturing the feeling of a spy thriller. And even though a beautiful show does not necessarily make a ‘good’ show, it sure does help. The show additionally does a brilliant job of capturing the metropolis that is London. With under lit shots, fast paced cut scenes, and plenty of screen time showcasing London’s architecture, it’s visually stunning.
5. The writing is heart wrenching.
Mixing elements old and new, show creator and writer, Tom Rob Smith, does a heart-wrenching take on the espionage thriller. As an author, this is not Smith’s first foray into the thriller genre. Smith’s first book, ‘Child 44,’ was recently turned into a film, and it’s a testament to Smith’s writing that it’s receiving such attention. With the plot bordering on believable, London Spy is more of a caricature of a spy thriller, and with its heart-rending monologues and complex characters, it’s a show not to be missed.
London Spy returns on Monday night at 9 o’clock on BBC TWO
