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Cynthia Erivo has achieved recognition as a two-time Oscar nominee, notably for her portrayal of Elphaba in the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. Prior to this, she took on a vastly different role in Luther: The Fallen Sun, a Netflix-exclusive film that blends elements of action, crime, and psychological thriller.
In this film, Erivo stars alongside Idris Elba, who reprises his iconic role as John Luther from a beloved BBC series. The dynamic between Erivo and Elba is a significant focal point, as she spends much of the film in pursuit of him before they ultimately unite against a common enemy. As the plot unfolds, darker themes emerge as the film reveals the disturbing motives of its antagonist, a twisted serial killer.
‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ Explores the Journey of an Exceptional Detective
Luther: The Fallen Sun centers around John Luther, expertly portrayed by Idris Elba. Renowned for his investigative prowess, the film thrusts him into one of his most formidable cases yet. He is on the trail of a notorious serial killer named David Robey, played by the versatile Andy Serkis. Robey, a wealthy individual with a tech-savvy approach, employs harrowing tactics, including kidnapping and psychological manipulation, to terrorize his victims.
Cynthia Erivo shines in her role as Odette Raine, the head of the Serious and Serial Crime Unit. Her character pursues Robey while simultaneously navigating a complex relationship with Luther, creating moments of high tension throughout the film.
The Pursuit in ‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ Adds to the Film’s Suspense
Many crime dramas feature a traditional cat-and-mouse dynamic, but Luther: The Fallen Sun distinguishes itself by presenting a unique twist: Raine and Luther are both in pursuit of Robey, each with their own agendas. This dual pursuit echoes themes found in films like The Fugitive, where a man hunts for the truth while evading capture himself.
Despite his keen investigative skills, Luther finds himself at odds with law enforcement, including Raine, who is tasked with apprehending him. The plot thickens when Robey exploits Luther’s past indiscretions, leading to his imprisonment right when the case becomes critical.
Luther’s determination to stop Robey becomes increasingly personal after he promises a victim’s mother that he will bring her son back safely. As the storyline develops, the chilling revelation that Robey livestreams his acts and allows viewers to decide his victims’ fates heightens the stakes. Luther’s escape from prison marks a pivotal moment, propelling him into a desperate quest for justice.
The Origin of Luther: A Transition from Television to Film
The film Luther: The Fallen Sun provides ample context for new viewers, yet it is worth noting that this narrative is rooted in a previous television series. Originally, Luther graced the screens of BBC viewers over a decade ago, captivating audiences with his complex character.
The show Luther shares thematic similarities with other crime dramas like Dexter and Psych, centering on a brilliant detective whose unconventional methods often put him at odds with his colleagues. As he tackles various criminal cases, Luther’s character is further complicated by his relationship with a brilliant but dangerous murderer, Alice Morgan.
In the film adaptation, only Luther and his superior, Martin Schenk, reprise their roles from the series, making it accessible for those unfamiliar with the show. However, those who wish to grasp the full context might find value in watching the series, especially since certain plot points, such as Luther’s arrest, are tied to the series’ fifth season.
The original series, despite its limited number of episodes, garnered critical acclaim and accumulated numerous accolades, including more than ten Emmy nominations. Idris Elba’s portrayal of Luther earned him multiple prestigious awards, further solidifying his status as a leading actor. There is potential for Elba’s return to this iconic role, as he hinted at the possibility of a sequel to Luther: The Fallen Sun. Currently, viewers can find the Luther series streaming on Hulu, while Luther: The Fallen Sun is available exclusively on Netflix.
Source
movieweb.com