New Netflix Show Wanted to Be the New 'Ozark', but It's a Hollow Shell of a Crime Thriller

With a cast that includes Jude Law and Jason Bateman, Netflix's new miniseries, Black Rabbit, seemed like a perfect recipe for success.

However, despite its stellar cast and promising concept, the project is one of the year's most notable disappointments, proving that even A-list stars can't save a weak show.

What Is 'Black Rabbit' About?

The story revolves around Jake Friedken (Jude Law), the owner of the New York restaurant Black Rabbit, who is preparing to open a new establishment.

However, his plans are disrupted by the return of his older brother, Vince (Jason Bateman) – a troubled man on the run from crime bosses.

Meanwhile, we see a flash forward: an armed robbery of the restaurant where people are taken hostage.

Even Jude Law and Jason Bateman Couldn't Save 'Black Rabbit'

The main tragedy of Black Rabbit is that not even the brilliant acting duo could enliven the predictable and sluggish script.

Jude Law gives a compelling performance as a restaurateur torn between ambition and family obligations, and Jason Bateman masterfully plays a chaotic and charming loser. Their onscreen chemistry sparkles, but these moments are overshadowed by dull dialogue and illogical plot twists.

The secondary characters, including the fired barmaid Anna, are so sketchily written that they fail to evoke any emotional response.

'Black Rabbit' Didn't Become the New 'Ozark'

The creators clearly hoped to replicate the success of Ozark, another project starring Jason Bateman. Instead of a tense crime thriller, however, they ended up with a sluggish drama with noir elements.

The somber color scheme and deliberately depressing atmosphere, reminiscent of Gotham, are more irritating than immersive, and the Black Rabbit kitchen, intended as one of the main settings, resembles a pale imitation of the famous restaurant from The Bear.

Black Rabbit is a classic example of a project where superficial polish fails to conceal creative emptiness. The series suffers from a lack of clear focus – it can't decide if it wants to be a family drama, crime thriller, or restaurant saga.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Black Rabbit'?

Variety critic Alison Herman wrote:

“We're asked to spend a prolonged stint with two highly unpleasant people. Hospitality is all about a welcoming environment, a golden rule Black Rabbit breaks at its peril.”

• Black Rabbit has 67% from critics and 81% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.4/10.