Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
“The Gentlemen” Plot Summary
Filmmaker Guy Ritchie has extended his 2019 crime comedy movie “The Gentlemen” into an 8-episode Netflix series of the same name. Fans of Guy Ritchie’s previous work will find plenty to enjoy, but “The Gentlemen” also serves as a warm welcome to any newcomer who enjoys witty dialogue and the grandiose operatics of Ritchie’s bareknuckle action. The series stars Theo James as Eddie Horniman, a son who recently put his father to rest. But to Eddie’s surprise, his father has made him the Duke of Halstead, a property that just so happens to encase a tremendous weed-growing empire.
After the passing of the family patriarch, army officer Eddie Horniman returns home to England. What becomes a shock to everyone in Eddie’s family is that his father’s will passes the title of duke and the family estate to Eddie instead of the eldest son, Freddy. Freddy (Daniel Ings) is furious over the news and panics over owing $8 million to a drug dealer named Tommy (Peter Serafinowicz).
To make matters worse, Eddie learns that his deceased father’s property houses an illegal cannabis empire run by the Glass family. To keep Eddie from selling the property, the highly connected Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) agrees to help negotiate paying off Freddy’s debt. All seems hunky-dory, but a final encounter between Freddy and Tommy leaves both men in a rage, with Tommy’s head shot off.
Eddie, Freddy, and Susie must now deal with the repercussions of a dead man, a drug empire, and the shift of their late father’s wealth. Meanwhile, an affluent wine connoisseur, Stanley Johnston (Giancarlo Esposito), is determined to buy the Halstead estate, and a man known as The Gospel (Pearce Quigley) wants vengeance for his brother’s death. Eddie has no knowledge of how to navigate this crime world and will need some help to keep the Halstead Manor and their heads intact.
“The Gentlemen” is quite simply fun. The debauchery comes fast and free-willing, and even the minor characters get a chance to have a bite at comedy (for example, a man whose job it is to get rid of bodies claims he needs to have a “holistic approach” to his business). “The Gentlemen” is filled with Ritchie’s signature slow-motion rage, quick cuts, and constant in-motion cameras. While some may roll their eyes at the more ridiculous situations, “The Gentlemen” stays a rollicking good time from start to finish.
Content Information
“The Gentlemen” is rated TV-MA for profanity, gun violence, blood, boxing, drug abuse (cocaine use, smoking, drinking), and sex.
Other Noteworthy Information
- You do not need to see the original movie “The Gentlemen” (2019) to understand the show.
“The Gentlemen” General Information
| Network | Netflix |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Noted Characters | |
| Eddie Horniman | Theo James |
| Freddy Horniman | Daniel Ings |
| Susie Glass | Kaya Scodelario |
Renewal Status: To Be Determined
Directory: (Character Guide)
Review
Our Rating: Positive (Watch This)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- What did you think of “The Gentlemen?” Does it contend with other Guy Ritchie films?
Highlights
A Return to Form for the Most Fun Guy Ritchie Films
Filmmaker Guy Ritchie made a name for himself 25 years ago for his dark crime comedy, “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.” His films have been celebrated and critiqued for their depiction of extreme masculinity and violence. But in “The Gentlemen,” most characters are incompetent leaders faking the appearance of power. The quick cuts, splatters of blood, operatic slow motion, and wry dialogue are all here, but by focusing on the fragility of the ego, we get more laughter and fun.
Great Performances and Sharp Dialogue Create Colorful Characters
A series is doing something right when you want to spend more time with the characters, even the small ones. While Ritchie’s movies have normally had fun creating bickering henchmen, we get to spend more time with everyone to make this crime world feel more natural. Theo James, Daniel Ings, and Kaya Scodelario especially create dynamic performances for their characters as each one of them vies for power.
On The Fence
“The Gentlemen” Shenanigans Push How Much Silly You Can Take
By the end of episode 1 of “The Gentlemen,” you have a man in an elaborate chicken costume snorting cocaine and clucking like a chicken. It’s intentionally outrageous but can also be grating if this isn’t your cup of tea. The Netflix crime comedy relishes in going to the extremes of any scenario, so if you’re looking for something more subtle, it’s best to go somewhere else.
Good If You Like
- Dark comedy, crime comedies, witty dialogue, and British comedies.
What I Hope To See
The creators have expressed interest in season 2, and I hope it shows a learning curve for Eddie in the drug business and parodies more upper class rituals.
Recommendations
If you like this show, we recommend:
Check out our TV series page for our latest recaps, reviews, and recommendations.
TV Shows We’re Covering This Season
Images used for editorial and commentary purposes. All rights remain with their respective copyright holders.
