One of the origins associated with the word “sect” has to do with “cut” or “separate.” If a more symbolic reading is sought for these meanings, it could be thought that it is a break with the established. An idea that, in secret and followed by the faithful, beats in a part of society without it being aware of its existence. luther: night fallsthe new movie Netflix starring Idris Elbedescribes how profound associations of this style can operate in the contemporary world.
One of the premises of luther: night falls is that the digital world is a space given to the cultivation of any type of herb. Just as part of humanity’s knowledge is found through computers and mobile phones, these devices can also be used to promote those individual facets that, perhaps, in a different context, would not be revealed. At this point, what role does the other play? Serves as an accomplice
John Luther, the character played by Idris Elba, is a detective in charge of dismantling one of those sects. The leader of this organization is david robeyembodied by Andy Serkis. Hidden behind cell phones and cameras, Robey is in charge of organizing grotesque scenes to terrorize society. On his mission, he digs into Luther’s secrets and lands him in jail.
luther: night falls
Idris Elbe and Andy Serkis star in a story that confronts them. Both represent the classic polarity between good and evil. While one is a recognized detective, another leads a sect that must go above the law to expand. His performances are good, but Luther’s script: night falls doesn’t help enhance his abilities. The Netflix movie falls short in several respects, with good intentions failing to reach a safe harbor.
The detective tone of luther: night falls
Keeping in mind the British tradition in relation to stories about policemen and detectives, luther: night falls sticks to that mythology. Its protagonist is not an idealized figure. But he is not far from being a benchmark either. The Netflix movie, at first, describes him as the most capable guy in his area. Known within his guild, the revelation of a series of malpractices tarnishes his reputation to the benefit of David Robey.
In this way, the film raises a pulse between good and evil; a classic story in which one must chase another. Then, one of the first ‘buts’ that arise in this production is revealed: the construction of that polarity, of the rivalry between John Luther and David Robey, is not effective. Beyond what their role demands of them, as psychopath and detective, the link between the two is not clear outside of an idea of morality that is not differential.
During some stretches, luther: night falls it works better within the characteristics of an action movie than a detective story. The interactions between the characters, which stand out in productions such as Slow HorsesThey don’t work in this movie. This affects the relationship that the spectator can maintain with the interpreters. Without that proximity, brute force lacks emotion.
The appeal of the movie
Although luther: night falls It is irregular in terms of the construction of characters and the links between them, the film is a little more effective in terms of the symbolic: without becoming a social critic, there is a questioning of the use of the digital as a space in which, from anonymity, one can act with impunity.
David Robey finds in others, hidden behind an avatar, a mass on which to build his own Show Horror. “The Red Room”, described in this way in the Netflix production, is more than just an urban story. Robey has dozens, perhaps hundreds, of fans of the cruelest horror. A large group of people who enjoy the pain of others and the blood spilled in a spectacular way and through streaming.
To a lesser extent, one of the approaches of luther: night falls is if, perhaps, there will be no groups of WhatsApp, Telegram either instagram that they work in a similar way; not so graphic, but symbolic. This is not to suggest that these apps are the problem; but to invite you to think about how its use also has a side that may be omitted.
As the leader of this digital sect, capable of organizing to carry out different violent actions in real life, Andy Serkis’s performance is convincing. Together with Idris Elba, Serkis completes a good pairing of protagonist and antagonist who he needed a better script. Even so, for some interpretations that can be drawn about evil and perversion, luther: night falls it can be good company for a while.
luther: night falls is available from February 10, 2023 at Netflix.