Review: Ever gritty, 'Luther' offers satisfying return to the screen on Netflix

There’s a theory as to why Idris Elba’s British copper DCI John Luther is welcomed back on the scene with open arms. He never, ever overstays his welcome – unfortunately.

I came across the character after sampling Elba’s work as Stringer Bell in arguably the greatest HBO series of them all, “The Wire.” His work on that show was so nuanced, yet dangerous, it was difficult to not become a fan and seek out his work.

Luther proved to be everything Bell was with more of a personal moral compass and the willingness to chuck rules and regulations for what’s right or wrong. The problem: In the character’s five seasons on the BBC, none of which lasted longer than six episodes, those installments didn’t come in rapid succession. The character last appeared on screens in 2019.

Now Elba is back in the role in the Netflix film “Luther: The Fallen Sun,” where he does what he does best − overcome adversity to get the criminal making life miserable for some in metropolitan London.

Only this time, Luther is that bad guy, according to his former colleagues, after being framed – sort of – for all of the sketchy things he’s done in the name of what was morally right, but legally dubious. As he says when one character asks about his guilt: “I did what I had to do.”

Only it catches up with him as we’re drawn into “The Fallen Sun.” A serial killer sets him up to get him out of the way and continues a killing spree that Luther had been investigating prior to being locked up. Now, he’s a former copper in prison with a target on his back, with a lunatic – portrayed with great glee and skill by Andy Serkis (“The Batman,” “The Lord of the Rings” films) – taunting him about his plight.

Of course, Luther escapes and despite the arrogance of Odette Raine (Cynthia Erivo), the new head of the department where he once plied his trade, works to track down the malevolent killer.

The appeal of the film, which had a short stint in theaters, but will debut on Netflix March 10, is less in the actual crimes committed than watching Elba work as the main character. Luther as written by Neil Cross and portrayed by Elba has always possessed a sort of tortured soul persona that’s made the character intriguing and compelling all while capitalizing on Elba’s undeniable charisma and charm.

Director Jamie Payne, known for his work in British television, gives it a small screen feel that’s soon forgotten because of other circumstances.  Ultimately, it’s a solid thriller that holds the potential for more such adventures.

Hopefully, one arrives faster than four years.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas

Review

Movie: “Luther: The Fallen Sun”

Cast: Idris Elba, Andy Serkis, Cynthia Erivo, Dermot Crowley

Directed by: Jamie Payne

Running time: 2 hours, 9 minutes

Rated: R for disturbing/violent content, language and some sexual material

Grade: B

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: Idris Elba brings fan favorite 'Luther' to Netflix