Culprits – or as I like to call it, ‘Ocean’s Eleven Gets a Dark Makeover’ – is a heist thriller that lives up to its name. 4.5/5 “Netflix and Actually Chill”
Plot Breakdown
Imagine the aftermath of a perfectly executed heist—big cash, freedom, the works. Now, fast forward to a scenario where everyone involved suddenly becomes a target. Culprits is like the cool cousin of traditional heist stories, focusing on the “what next?” instead of the “how.” It’s sleek, and edgy, and occasionally leaves you questioning your allegiances. It’s The Italian Job meets Killing Eve but with more paranoia and fewer Mini Coopers.
Acting Critique
Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits) plays the lead, and let me say, he carries the show with a kind of nonchalant charisma that makes you root for him even when you’re not entirely sure you should. He’s the smooth operator suddenly thrust into chaos, and his performance is layered with equal parts vulnerability and swagger. Meanwhile, Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) steps in and steals scenes like she’s the heist mastermind in real life. Honestly, if looks could kill, her character would leave no witnesses.
Technical Observations
Visually, Culprits is a chef’s kiss of stylish cinematography. Dark, moody lighting paired with sharp editing keeps the tension palpable. The soundtrack? Bangers only. Each track feels handpicked to add layers to the story, kind of like that one friend who DJs your every mood. Special shoutout to the seamless transitions that keep the story moving without losing you in the details—a rare feat in ensemble thrillers.
Cultural Context
In an age of bingeable series that are all flash and no substance, Culprits manages to strike the perfect balance. It’s timely too—paranoia and betrayal are the currency of our social media-drenched lives, aren’t they? You’ll probably catch yourself side-eyeing your closest mates after this, wondering if they’d sell you out for a suitcase full of untraceable cash.
Hot Take Corner
Here’s a spicy one for you: Culprits might be the best “post-heist” show ever. Yeah, I said it. Forget Money Heist’s melodrama; this is leaner, meaner, and far more unpredictable. It’s proof that you can have thrills without needing explosions every five seconds (cough Michael Bay cough).
Staying Power
This one has “cult classic” written all over it. It’s clever enough for the critics, stylish enough for the Instagram crowd, and gripping enough for the binge-watch brigade. A couple of years down the line, you’ll overhear someone in a pub saying, “Have you seen Culprits?” and realise you’re sitting next to a fellow TV snob.
In short, this is a show that’ll have you locked in from the first scene. Stylish, suspenseful, and downright addictive. You can watch Culprits for free on ITV X.
