Luther: Fallen ★★★
THRILLER (2023)
Directed by: Jamie Payne
Cast: Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis

What started in 2010 as a popular five-episode series now continues as a signature Netflix movie. TV Maker “Luther”, Neil Cross is here as a screenwriter, and Idris Elba is also returning to star as the British head of homicide. This time, however, he won’t last long in office, as a string of revelations and publications manages to land him in jail; while a sadistic serial killer (Andy Serkis) who approaches his victims via the internet is terrorizing London and (of course) the only one who can stop him is the “fallen” Luther.

Continuing the same dark logic of its television model, Jamie Payne’s film opens with a completely paranoid villain – Andy Serkis is perfect for the role – who moves even into the only space Luther is not so familiar with: the Internet and, in particular, social networks. networks and public image, the preservation of which can lead modern people to even the most extreme decisions. Idris Elba, for his part, is once again imposing and convincing as a “tough” detective who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty or step over the law to achieve his goal.

“18” ★★★
DRAMA (2021)
Directed by: Vasilis Duvlis
Interpretations: Joseph Gavrielatos, Nikolakis Zeghinoglu, Clelia Andriolatou

From the Ertflix platform, we choose the second feature film by Vassilis Douvlis (“Return”). The latter casts his gaze this time on the young centuries and the forces that seethe there, hiding many times from the radars of the “official” society. In a working-class neighborhood in Athens, a group of high school students wear pandemic masks at night, attacking immigrants and same-sex couples. Among them is a black classmate.

When his friend tries to protect him, a new cycle of violence begins with unpredictable consequences. Dublis captures serious issues very accurately, such as the resurgence of fascism in the new – or simply ongoing – Greek economic crisis that crushes dreams, destroys families, and feeds the darkest human instincts. His approach, of course, is somewhat awkward and more illustrative than penetrating, but the authenticity and vitality of his characters are indisputable.