Spy thriller fans, it’s time to add Keira Knightley’s new Netflix thriller to your watchlist today. The year 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for fans of pulse-pounding spy dramas. With new releases like FX’s “The Veil” already out and highly anticipated series such as Season 4 of Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses” and Paramount’s “The Agency” on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to. Among these exciting titles is a new Netflix drama starring Keira Knightley, titled “Black Doves.”
As a dedicated fan of the genre, I must admit that Netflix’s track record with espionage dramas has been hit or miss. Titles like “The Recruit” and “Fubar” didn’t quite hit the mark. However, the streaming giant has also delivered some successful shows in this genre, giving us reason to be optimistic about “Black Doves.” The series boasts a stellar cast, including Knightley and Ben Whishaw, which only adds to the anticipation.
“Black Doves,” created and written by Joe Barton, features Knightley as Helen Webb, a down-to-earth mother, wife, and professional spy. Helen’s husband is a politician, and for the past decade, she has been leaking his secrets to a shadowy organization known as the Black Doves. Barton shared his excitement about the project, saying, “I started writing the scripts for this show over last year’s Christmas holidays, fueled by turkey sandwiches and discarded bottles of cream liquor. To be now going into production with a cast and crew full of people whose work I admire so much is unbelievably exciting, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to get to see this show come to life.”
The plot thickens when Helen’s secret lover, Jason, is assassinated. Her spymaster calls in her old friend, played by Whishaw, to protect her. According to Netflix, Whishaw’s character is a “suave, Champagne-drinking assassin” who has been out of the game since a failed job with disastrous consequences. He returns to a London that has moved on without him, and as his past catches up with him, his mission is to keep Helen safe while she investigates Jason’s murder.
Together, Helen and her protector embark on a mission that leads them to uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy. This conspiracy links the murky underworld of London to a looming geopolitical crisis, forcing them to question the moral choices they’ve made. The series promises to deliver suave, sophisticated espionage vibes, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
“Black Doves” is set to premiere later this year, and you can set a reminder in the Netflix app to be notified when it becomes available. With its intriguing plot and top-notch cast, this series is sure to be a hit among spy thriller enthusiasts.
In addition to “Black Doves,” there are several other new releases to look forward to this season. For those who enjoy a mix of drama and thrills, Netflix has a lineup that includes the second season of “Cheer,” the horror series “Archive 81,” and the animated dark comedy anthology “The House.” Each of these titles offers something unique, from the uplifting and emotional journey of the Navarro College cheerleaders in “Cheer” to the eerie and enchanting universe of “The House.”
“Cheer: Season 2” follows the Navarro College cheerleaders as they return to Daytona to defend their championship title. This season, they navigate the pressures of worldwide fame, college classes, and cheer practice, while also addressing the controversies and setbacks of the past two years. The show’s music supervisor deserves a special mention for some incredible musical moments that add to the emotional impact of the series.
For crime junkies and Dateline aficionados, “Brazen” is a must-watch. Starring Alyssa Milano as mystery writer Grace Miller, the film follows her quest to solve her sister’s murder. Adapted from Nora Roberts’ 1988 novel “Brazen Virtue,” the thriller takes the audience through a web of possible suspects as Grace uncovers her sister’s double life.
“Archive 81,” inspired by the found footage podcast of the same name, is a horror series told through two different timelines. The story follows archivist Dan Turner, played by Mamoudou Athie, who is hired to restore old tapes from 1994. These tapes belonged to documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras, portrayed by Dina Shihabi, who went missing during her investigation of a demonic cult. The series intertwines different storytelling methods and time periods, providing plenty of jump scares for horror fans.
“The House” uses stop-motion animation to tell the stories and secrets of a mysterious house across different eras. This three-part anthology film follows a poor family, an anxious developer, and a fed-up landlord, each tied to the same house. The dark comedy feels like watching “Black Mirror,” with each half-hour story taking unexpected turns.
With such a diverse lineup of new releases, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Whether you’re a fan of spy thrillers, crime dramas, horror series, or dark comedies, Netflix has you covered. So, make sure to add “Black Doves” and these other exciting titles to your watchlist today.
Source: Netflix, FX, Apple TV+, Paramount
