We could also be into the ultimate stretch of 2024, however one among Netflix’s top-rated exhibits of the previous 12 months has solely simply arrived on the platform.

On Thursday, the much-hyped spy thriller Black Doves was made out there to stream, with Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw taking the lead within the twist-heavy Christmas story with a distinction.

The present additionally options British telly legend Sarah Lancashire in what might effectively be the most important worldwide position of her profession – and it’s secure to imagine that Black Doves goes to be an enormous hit.

For one factor, on the time of writing, it has an enviable 100% rating on the opinions web site Rotten Tomatoes, and Netflix renewed it for a second season earlier than the primary had even arrived.

Intrigued as to what critics are saying about Black Doves? Right here’s a choice of the glowing opinions earlier than you dive in and take a look at it for your self…

“A lot to my completely satisfied shock, creator Joe Barton has discovered novel methods to humanize his secret brokers. On Black Doves, issues of the center stand toe-to-toe with (and demand simply as a lot care as) all of the bloody intrigue. Characters’ idiosyncrasies, their pert humor within the face of mortal threat, are charming the place a lot else within the spies-with-personal-lives mini-genre feels canned.”

“How is that this thriller totally different from different thrillers? It does what most do, by way of motion and suspense and sophisticated plotting, and does them very effectively, however what’s extra fascinating is that it’s additionally what could be referred to as a ‘thriller of the center’.”

“Knightley, whose exquisitely angular face strikes fluidly between angelic and menacing, clearly revels in her position as Helen — a personality requiring energetic comedic aptitude, action-hero swagger, and heartfelt emotion. Whishaw makes Ben plausible as an environment friendly killer but in addition a delicate, sad-eyed sweetheart who might actually use a hug.”

“None of that is stuff we haven’t seen earlier than, however it’s the tone that makes it really feel recent. There are similarities with Sluggish Horses, the darkness of the story regularly punctured by a really British withering humour. Bickering insults are exchanged mid-shootout. If it’s not fairly pretty much as good as Sluggish Horses – a really excessive bar – the potential is there.”

“The scenes the place Sarah Lancashire and Keira Knightley face off are actually one thing to behold – two phenomenal actors on the peak of their recreation bouncing off each other with ample room to actually flex their skills.”

“It’s enormously pleasurable and, with compliments to author Joe Barton, boasts somewhat extra subtext — and, effectively, thought — than you may anticipate of a Netflix Christmas cracker.”

“Although it isn’t as subtle as Sluggish Horses, it’s pure festive escapism, a stunning aesthetic and a fascinating journey that doesn’t take itself too significantly. It’s telling {that a} glittering array of top-notch actors […] have signed as much as play comparatively small elements. “

“Joe Barton and his distinctive forged [bounce] between a probing psychological examination of the human toll of espionage, a semi-satirical exploration of the expectations of a all of a sudden oversaturated style and a lovingly corny Christmas drama. That Black Doves is that this in every single place but this regularly satisfying is a few triumph.”

“The plot, when it lastly unravels, will not be particularly satisfying – and I’m certain there are extra holes than your childhood stocking – however that’s inappropriate. The attraction right here is in Knightley and Whishaw, two actors who’re very watchable on their very own however compulsively so when they’re on-screen on the similar time.”

“It’s nice, escapist enjoyable and the wintry capital appears nearly as beautiful as Knightley’s sharpened, angular magnificence and Whishaw’s elegant dishevelment. A part of the enjoyment, after all, lies within the unconscious consciousness that it’s Elizabeth Bennett and Paddington offing baddies with shotguns and throwing knives.”

“Uncovering the secrets and techniques of Helen and Sam – how they got here into this harmful line of labor and the way their journeys intersect – is genuinely fascinating, and their chemistry and depth retains Black Doves a fascinating watch regardless of its underwhelming backdrop.”

Black Doves is now streaming on Netflix. Watch the trailer beneath: