A Fresh Take on Heist Drama-Culprits
Culprits, the new series landing on Disney Plus, and Hulu is not your typical heist story. Starring Gemma Arterton and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, the show delves into the aftermath of a grand heist, tracing the lives of the criminals who have attempted to leave their past behind. However, their plans are upended by a mysterious assassin, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions.
J Blakeson, the writer-director of Culprits, has characterized the film as a creative “sandbox” where he can experiment with the conventions of the heist-gone-awry genre. He’s careful not to appear overly indebted to Tarantino, but this homage takes a little time before it reaches its own interpretations. Our group of nameless robbers adopts pseudonyms reminiscent of Mr. Pink from Reservoir Dogs, although a bit less imaginative, such as “Driver” and “Muscle.” The narrative includes flashbacks that explore the events leading up to the heist, along with the presence of a psychologically unstable crew member reminiscent of Mr. Blonde, who is aptly named “Psycho” and portrayed with an attitude bordering on indifference by Niamh Algar.
When it’s not subtly reimagining Reservoir Dogs, Culprits, primarily filmed in Manchester, delivers a series of chaotic and violent incidents without clear purpose. One early sequence involves a stash of money disappearing into a wheelie bin – you can easily predict where it and the man chasing after it ultimately end up. The screenplay also struggles to elicit empathy for its thinly developed characters, including Gemma Arterton’s Dianne, the mastermind who assembles the team for a heist on a billionaire’s storage facility.
The Culprits Storyline
The storyline of “Culprits” is a complex web of past deeds and present dangers. After the adrenaline of the heist fades, the crew members seek to forge new identities and lives. But the past is not ready to let them go. The sudden assassination of one of their own signals the start of a deadly cat-and-mouse game. The remaining crew must navigate a world where every shadow could conceal a threat, and every acquaintance could be an enemy in disguise. This narrative promises to dissect the psychological impact of crime and the inescapable pull of a dark past.
Joe’s aspirations of launching a bistro alongside his fiancé and leaving his checkered history behind are on the verge of collapsing. An enigmatic assassin sporting a sinister clown mask (portrayed by Ned Dennehy) is systematically eliminating his former associates. The fact that their identities were meant to remain hidden begs the question of how the assassin could have tracked them down so effortlessly. In pursuit of an answer, Joe forms an alliance with “Officer” (played by Kirby Howell-Baptiste), a fellow criminal whose life he saved during a previous bank heist.
This partnership leads them on a whirlwind adventure that spans across London, Barcelona, and Berlin, resembling a comically exaggerated European caper. The narrative reaches astonishing levels of absurdity when Eddie Izzard makes a late cameo, portraying a character who blends elements of Elon Musk and Ernst Blofeld.
Culprits begins where the majority of crime tales typically conclude: following a daring heist, as a group of skilled criminals has dispersed, attempting to shed their previous identities. However, their past and present collide when a merciless assassin commences a systematic campaign, singling them out one by one. The mystery deepens as they grapple with questions about their relentless pursuer, the mastermind behind the chaos, and their ability to reunite in time to shield both themselves and their loved ones from impending danger.
Watch The Trailer of Culprits
The trailer for “Culprits” is a masterclass in tension-building. It offers glimpses of high-octane action, the quiet dread of suspense, and the occasional release of dark humor. It’s a visual promise of the series’ commitment to keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, all while weaving a narrative that’s rich in character development and thematic complexity.
Culprits plot
Culprits deviates from the conventional crime drama narrative with an intriguing twist. Across eight episodes, it delves into the aftermath of a major heist, where the crew disperses into the world, each adopting new identities with their share of the loot, intending never to cross paths again.
Gemma Arterton plays the role of Dianne Harewood, the criminal mastermind who assembles a team of specialists for the heist of a lifetime. However, the heist is only the beginning of their story. The characters confront challenging moral and ethical dilemmas as they embark on new lives, empowered by their wealth.
Among them, Joe Petrus (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) has chosen a relatively modest life in suburban America with his fiancé, Jules (Kevin Vidal), and their two children. They plan to transform an abandoned hardware store into a neighborhood bistro. Yet, Joe’s peaceful anonymity is disrupted when news of a former crew member’s assassination in Italy makes him question the cleanliness of their escape. Fearing exposure and the safety of his family, Joe returns to the UK to track down Dianne and the rest of the gang.
As the crew members are picked off one by one by an unknown assassin, the mystery deepens. The central question arises: who is behind the murders, and what is the motive? Is there a traitor among them, or is the threat external to the heist gang? The killings trigger escalating paranoia among the surviving members.
The series unfolds across time, oscillating between the present day and the events leading up to the heist, providing a dynamic narrative structure.
The Cast of Culprits- Who plays Who
The cast is a blend of established and rising stars:
- Nathan Stewart-Jarrett as Joe, a man striving for normalcy after his criminal past.
- Gemma Arterton as Dianne, the criminal mastermind with a cold and meticulous mind.
- Eddie Izzard as Vincent, bringing depth to the ensemble.
- Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Niamh Algar, Kamel El Basha, Tara Abboud, Kevin Vidal, and Ned Dennehy round out the cast, each bringing their unique presence to the series.
The Culprits ensemble boasts a wide array of talent. In the lead role of Joe, you’ll find Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, known for his work in Misfits, alongside Gemma Arterton, recognized for her roles in The King’s Man and Made In Dagenham, portraying Dianne. Eddie Izzard, who has been part of projects like Stay Close, Victoria and Abdul, and Six Minutes to Midnight, is taking on the character of Vincent, sometimes referred to as Suzie Izzard.
Joe Petrus
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, aged 37, shared with us his insights into his character, Joe: “Joe embodies a sense of innocence. He craves normality and comfort, which, given the path he’s chosen in life, remains elusive to him. He longs for the things that many of us often take for granted – the warmth of family and the assurance of security. There’s something inherently relatable in the simplicity of his aspirations.”
Within the team, Joe goes by the codename ‘Muscle,’ and this designation aligns with his character’s physical prowess, necessitating Stewart-Jarrett’s engagement in numerous action sequences. He expresses, “Engaging in running and executing a range of stunts was a novel experience for me. I committed to a physical regimen in preparation for the role of Joe, and it proved to be a rewarding endeavor. The series is teeming with action, and I anticipate that viewers will be thoroughly entertained and have a great time watching it.”
Officer, Niamh Algar,
The cast also includes Kirby Howell-Baptiste, famous for her appearance in Cruella, playing the role of Officer, Niamh Algar, known for her involvement in Raised by Wolves, portraying Psycho, Kamel El Basha, recognized for his performance in The Insult, taking on the character of Youssef, and newcomer Tara Abboud playing Azar. Kevin Vidal, who has been seen in Working Moms, portrays Jules, and Ned Dennehy, known for his role in Good Omens, is cast as Devil.
Dianne
Gemma Arterton, aged 37, who stars in Culprits, describes her character Dianne as follows: “I wouldn’t label Dianne as the antagonist, but she’s decidedly cold, ruthless, and incredibly methodical. She’s an astute, vengeful individual, quite distinct from any of my previous roles. She exudes a composed demeanor.”
She goes on to mention certain scenes where she had to elucidate the heist plan, reminiscent of what one often encounters in heist movies. Arterton admits that this was a new and intriguing challenge for her, especially since Dianne is exceptionally organized, which is in contrast to her own personality. Having just come from portraying a comedic character in Funny Woman, she found it refreshing to immerse herself in Dianne’s unemotional, factual world, where Dianne simply goes about her business.
Arterton further elaborates on the characters in the series, noting that they are all professionals who refer to each other using code names to maintain emotional distance. Nevertheless, as the story unfolds, certain events lead to the formation of unexpected alliances among them.
Regarding the locations in the series, she mentions that the lead-up to the heist unfolds across various parts of London, showcasing both the gritty, backstreet side of the city and its opulent, affluent areas. Arterton adds that the production has had the opportunity to film in intriguing and secretive underground locations.
Finally, she remarks that Culprits sets itself apart from typical British dramas by embracing a nearly comic book-like quality in certain aspects. The series is high-quality, featuring visually striking elements and a heightened atmosphere. Arterton finds it exhilarating that Culprits can compete with prominent American shows while maintaining its homegrown British essence.
Premiere and Availability of Culprits
The anticipation for “Culprits” has been building since its world premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 7, 2023. The series is scheduled to make its streaming debut on November 8, 2023, on Disney Plus for UK and Ireland viewers, with a US release to follow. All eight episodes will drop simultaneously, providing a full narrative arc ready for indulgent consumption.
Behind the Scenes of Culprits
At the helm is J Blakeson, a filmmaker with a knack for crafting stories that walk the fine line between dark comedy and suspense. His vision, combined with Stephen Garrett’s executive production expertise, sets the stage for a series that is as much a psychological study as it is a crime thriller. Producer Morenike Williams brings her experience from “Killing Eve” to ensure that “Culprits” resonates with a similar narrative intensity and character depth.
The executive producers of Culprits are Stephen Garrett and J Blakeson. The series was conceived and directed by J Blakeson and Claire Oakley (known for Make Up), with production overseen by Morenike Williams (known for her work on Killing Eve). Culprits is a creation of Character 7 and is additionally executive produced by Johanna Devereaux.
The Visuals and Setting
The series’ visual narrative is as diverse as its storyline, with filming locations spanning from the urban sprawl of Ontario to the historic and contemporary vistas of London’s Northern Quarter. These backdrops are not just settings but characters in their own right, reflecting the dualities of the characters’ lives and the worlds they navigates.
How to Watch Culprits
“Culprits” will be available on Disney Plus, and Hulu with the service offering various subscription deals for viewers to enjoy not just this series but a wide array of content on the platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Culprits” is shaping up to be a dynamic addition to the heist genre, offering a story that’s as much about the crime as it is about the human condition and the quest for redemption. With its November release, it’s poised to be a must-watch for fans of drama, action, and intricate storytelling.
