Guy Ritchie's 'MobLand': A Star-Studded Crime Drama with Room to Grow in a Jam-Packed Genre
When you think of a Guy Ritchie film, visions of sharp-suited gangsters and zippy dialogue come to mind. Enter MobLand, a new addition to the crime drama league, but it hits the stage with a bit more of a whisper than a bang. Ritchie, known for his slick storytelling, brings his signature flair to this 10-episode series that plunges viewers into London's grim and gritty underworld.
The story centers on the Harrigan family, with Pierce Brosnan leading the charge as Conrad Harrigan. He’s not your typical mobster boss. His wife, Maeve, played masterfully by Helen Mirren, adds a layer of cunning sophistication to the equation. Meanwhile, Tom Hardy steps into the shoes of Harry Da Souza, the Harrigans' fiercely loyal fixer, giving audiences the rough-around-the-edges charm he's known for. The family dynamic is further complicated by Paddy Considine's character, Kevin, who struggles with his role in the criminal enterprise.
What makes MobLand tick, at least in these early episodes, is the tangled web of family loyalty and mobster politics. There's a simmering tension as the Harrigans find themselves embroiled in a power struggle with their rivals, the Stevensons. However, some critics note the series doesn't exactly break new ground if you’re familiar with the genre. The show leans heavily on crime drama conventions, focusing on shadowy deals, internal conflict, and moral ambiguity among its characters.
The ensemble cast is expansive, with notable mentions for Jasmine Jobson and Geoff Bell. Yet, some characters feel like they're just skimming the surface, lacking depth in the initial episodes. That's not to say there isn't hope. If the first two episodes are anything to go by, there’s room for growth—plenty of it—as the storyline gains momentum.
The direction and production design stay true to Ritchie’s adored style. There's the expected atmospheric grime, tension-filled face-offs, and a touch of bravado that fans of his work will recognize. But the pacing is on a slow burn, gradually heating up as plots thicken and alliances are tested.
While some say it doesn’t quite reach the lively heights of Ritchie’s previous work, such as *The Gentlemen*, the show does have potential. Maybe it’s saving the best for later, and perhaps the characters will weave stories that intrigue and surprise as the show progresses.
With *MobLand* hitting Paramount+ screens on March 30, 2025, it'll be interesting to see how this saga unfolds. Can it carve a niche in a genre that’s both beloved and overstuffed with similar tales? If anything, Guy Ritchie’s knack for capturing the grimy underbelly of London, paired with his ambitious ensemble, suggests that MobLand might just offer a fresh twist on an old tale, given a bit more time.