Everything which makes The Gentlemen series miles better than the disastrous film

Big love to whoever cast Theo James

1 month ago

The Gentlemen is a new Guy Ritchie Netflix series that follows on from the film The Gentlemen (yes, they have the same name). It is not a sequel, so don’t worry if you haven’t watched the film! The series is a spin-off, set in the same universe but with completely different characters.

The series follows Eddie Horniman (Theo James) as he inherits his family estate (to the shock of his older brother, Freddy) and the weed farm operating underneath. In his attempt to escape the world of criminality, Eddie becomes more and more involved, working alongside Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario), the woman who controls the whole operation.

Not to be savage, but the original 2019 film did not get good reviews. The Guardian gave it two stars, Variety called it “stale” and “offensive” and The Independent called it an “angry, racist mess.” Yikes. Thankfully, the series is much better. So, in case you’re wondering, here’s everything which makes Netflix’s The Gentlemen miles superior than the 2019 film:

1. Theo James. That’s it.

Credit: Netflix

Theo James is incredible, and not just because I was obsessed with YA dystopia when I was 12 and fancied Four. His performance as Eddie Horniman was undoubtedly crucial to the show, and his chemistry with Susie Glass was undeniable. Theo James plays Eddie Horniman in a way that can only be described as silky smooth. His character never stutters (in words or actions) and is pragmatic, self-assured and confident throughout. His performance embodies the natural ease of someone who has grown up rich, without appearing spoilt (unlike his on-screen brother, Freddy).

2. Women having actual storylines (shock!)

Unsurprisingly, The Gentlemen (film) did not have very many female characters. However, it’s 2024, and women can do anything men can do – including running a multi-million-pound weed empire (#SheEO). Susie Glass as the co-lead was a positive change from the film, where the stand-out female star, Michelle Dockery playing Rosalind Pearson, felt more of a side character defined by her relationship with Micky Pearson (Matthew McConaughey). Susie Glass is sharp, ruthless and complex. Her character was never reduced to a love interest, and the relationship between Susie and Eddie was dynamic, interesting and playful.

3. A generally less offensive script throughout

Credit: STX Entertainment

The film received some negative criticism surrounding its casual racism, sexism and homophobia. The series seems to have taken some of this criticism on board, with much less racism and antisemitism in the dialogue. Don’t get me wrong, the series is not perfect in this sense – but neither are the characters. However, The Gentlemen series relies much less heavily on stereotypical caricatures, and occasionally openly acknowledges them, like in the scene when the Irish travellers argue against the use of the term “gypsy”.

4. Even more ridiculous sub-plots

Credit: Netflix

One of the things I loved about the film was the combination of almost cartoonish action scenes, fast pacing, and plot twists. The eight-episode format allows for this even more. The series is full of plots within plots within plots. Twists and turns characterise the series, and the eight-episode format allows for new and fun characters arriving and leaving (often not alive) every episode. The longer spread also allowed for better development of the co-leads, Eddie and Susie and their relationship with each other and the people around them. An overarching plot concerning Stanley Johnston (with a “t”) ties the multitude of stories together for a satisfying ending, while still leaving enough room for a potential second series.

If you are a Guy Ritchie fan, definitely get watching asap for more of his signature style and some pretty perfect casting. End of.