Matt Reeves’ Batman was packed with memorable characters: the green and already depressed Bruce Wayne, the psychotic Riddler, the domineering Falcone. But the coolest is Penguin: cunning, incredibly charismatic and so cool that Colin Farrell was unrecognizable. It’s no surprise that the Oswald Cobblepot series was considered one of the most anticipated of the year. But how did it turn out? Based on the first episode: unconditionally excellent.
“Penguin”: the main thing in the series.
Name: “The Penguin” Director: Craig Zobel. Actors: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Theo Rossi and others. Release date: September 20, 2024. How many episodes: eight episodes. Gender: drama, crime. Country: USA
“Penguin”: where to watch?
The series is being shown on the Max online cinema. The first episode was released on September 20, the finale is scheduled for November 11. There are no official Russian voice-overs or subtitles.
The video is available on the YouTube channel “Red Head Sound – Translation and voiceover”. The video rights belong to HBO.
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Gotham without superheroes
At the end of Batman, the Riddler and his henchmen set off a series of explosions. As a result, a significant portion of Gotham is destroyed and the streets are in chaos, confusing the cards even for the tough mob. But for some, chaos is a death sentence, and for others, it’s an opportunity. Specifically for Penguin, it’s both at the same time.
Already in the introduction, the antihero emotionally commits a serious crime. If anyone finds out about it, his head will fall off his shoulders. And this is only part of the problems: bosses want to restrict his business, rival gangs are dying out, the sweetly smiling psychopath Sofia is gaining influence in the Falcone empire, and a moment later the massacre begins. To survive in such a mess, you have to turn around, collect trump cards, expose everyone and risk your life every second.
Pharrell’s Penguin
Photo by: HBO
The first episode lasts only an hour, but so much happens in that time that it could fill an entire season. The murder of an important authority, tense negotiations with yesterday’s enemies, monstrous torture, endless attempts to get out. Such saturation does not allow you to be distracted by your phone or press pause – you want to quickly know what will happen next.
At the same time, the series retained its noirish charm. In local Gotham, the sun barely shines, it rains, all the politicians are corrupt and people have long since given up hope. Moreover, director Craig Zobel, whose credits include episodes of “The Leftovers,” “Westworld” and “American Gods,” manages to combine speed with a noirish slowness. The series is full of atmospheric slow shots and dense, involving dialogue. Overall, Zobel knows what he’s doing.
Tough negotiations
Photo by: HBO
It should be noted that Batman will not be in the series. Penguin focuses on the more realistic part of the DC Universe. Characters die instantly, succumb to one-on-one fights, and tremble at the sight of a gun pointed at them. There is no place for superheroes in this world, only ordinary people who rely on intelligence and luck. Just as Star Wars fans have been dreaming of a Jedi-free project for decades, DC fans have been dreaming of a quality, down-to-earth series.
Colin Farrell already deserves an Emmy
Perhaps the main advantage of “Penguin” is the characters and the acting. How much is Oswald himself worth? He looks like a bastard, but he dreams of endless love and respect from people. He looks like a ruthless psychopath and at the same time capable of mercy. A man of strong character and at the same time a vulnerable child with childhood traumas.
Colin Farrell conveys all this inconsistency with 10 points. In an alarming situation, his eyes shoot up and his voice shakes. And how his mother scolds him! Oswald simply looked like a monster and then he shrinks. However, at the right moment, the antihero gathers his courage and stands firm in the face of a great threat. I want to applaud Pharrell for such a performance!
And Penguin is not the only star. In terms of brilliance, she is perhaps inferior to Sofia Falcone. The girl knows how to control herself, but deep down she is a murderer, a total psychopath, a sadist. The moment when she finally shows her true colors is one you will not forget. Almost all the characters have similar characteristics, even the youngest, who dies within the first 10 minutes.
Don’t believe her pretty face.
Photo by: HBO
Penguin: Is it worth watching?
After the first episode, Penguin is exceptionally impressive. If Zobel keeps this up, we’ll have one of the best series of the year.
Penguin Episode 1: 9 out of 10
I liked it
Exceptional acting. Gripping plot. Well-developed characters. Elegant visuals.
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