sasha_feather: the back of furiosa's head (furiosa: back of head)
sasha_feather ([personal profile] sasha_feather) wrote2017-11-17 03:07 pm

London Spy (2015)

London Spy - netflix - 5 episodes

I am getting close to my tolerance level for dead queer people in stories, but despite that, I loved this mini-series and keep thinking about it.


Ben Whishaw stars in this dark, gripping tale about a young man whose boyfriend is murdered. The first episode follows them meeting and falling in love. Danny (Whishaw) has a random encounter with Alex (Edward Holcroft). They connect instantly. Alex is quiet and doesn't reveal much about himself. At the end of the first episode, Danny finds Alex's body.

Danny's best friend is an older gay man, Scottie, played by Jim Broadbent. I loved the friendship and mentorship between these two. Scottie is Danny's companion on a harrowing quest for the truth. They discover that Alex was a spy and was researching something dangerous.

This show is arty in a way that I loved: it held shots for a long time and used visual cues to convey information. I couldn't look away even during some very intense scenes.
(The last episode was particularly upsetting in that it shows details of the murder. )
I loved Danny's intuitive way of discovering the truth and holding to it, even in the face of tremendous opposition.

The show's message was powerful: fight, even when it seems hopeless. Even when the cost is high. Fight for justice.

Recommended, with content notes for: violence, HIV, murder
jesse_the_k: Queer rainbow sugar cubes surround white tea cup (rainbow)

[personal profile] jesse_the_k 2017-11-17 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Intriguing response.

I noped after the death but maybe I should give it a try. I adore Jim Broadbent. He can act anything.