Luther: The Fallen Sun

A serial killer terrorizes London while disgraced detective John Luther sits behind bars. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job by any means necessary.

Director: Jamie Payne

Screenplay: Neil Cross

Cinematography: Larry Smith

DCI John Luther finally makes his big-screen debut in 'Luther: The Fallen Sun.' However, the character fails to live up to its potential, resulting in a lackluster movie experience. Despite the film showing promise in its opening scenes, it ultimately fails to satisfy viewers, with many elements that are too far-fetched and difficult to believe. It feels like a condensed version of the popular BBC series, with several nods to other Hollywood hits like "Seven," the 'Saw' franchise, and 'The Bone Collector.' The plot's central issue is its lack of believability, leaving die-hard fans hoping that any future appearances of Luther in the BBC series will address these problems.

At times, the two-plus-hour feature feels tedious and fails to captivate audiences. The villainous performance by Andy Serkis, with his odd hairstyle, can come across as comical in certain scenes. Unfortunately, the film does a disservice to a character that was first introduced in 2010. The movie fails to provide a clear explanation for the villain's motivations, filled with cliches and often nonsensical action sequences. It's evident that the filmmakers rushed to capitalize on the popularity of DCI John Luther, resulting in a lack of attention to detail.

The story begins with Callum Aldrich, a cleaner, receiving a threatening call from an anonymous man who demands he come to a specific location or risk having his secrets exposed. Upon arriving, Callum is kidnapped by the man, revealed to be serial killer David Robey. Robey takes pleasure in blackmailing his victims by revealing their illegal online indulgences. When DCI John Luther takes on the case, Robey ensures that all of Luther's past indiscretions are exposed, leading to his dismissal from the department and imprisonment. While in jail, Luther overhears a pre-recorded conversation on an FM station and believes he can solve the case. With the help of an old friend, he stages a daring escape from prison and embarks on his own investigation, ultimately leading him to the freezing environs of Norway.

Idris Elba delivers a strong performance with his brooding looks, adding to the series with his imposing physical presence. He, alongside Cynthia Erivo as DCI Odette and Dermot Crowley as John's former boss Martin Schenk, serves as a redeeming factor. However, the same cannot be said for Andy Serkis' portrayal of David Robey. The potential of Serkis is underutilized, and his character comes across as a caricature, with a terrible hairstyle and exaggerated mannerisms. The plot holes in the sequences involving his character are significant, leaving viewers wondering what the screenwriters were thinking.

The film adaptation of 'Luther: The Fallen Sun' may have a more cinematic feel, but it lacks depth in character development, resulting in a lack of investment in their outcomes. Even the potential of their demise fails to elicit more than a mere shrug from the audience. Only brief appearances of Dermot Crowley's melancholic superintendent and Cynthia Erivo's fed-up superior provide any stability in the film. Nonetheless, it's Idris Elba's portrayal of the troubled hero, huddled miserably in an overcoat in a rain-soaked Piccadilly Circus, that brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the screen. As a sucker for tormented heroes and exquisite tailoring, it's hard not to be drawn in by Elba's performance.

‘Luther: The Fallen Sun’ is a compelling addition to the ‘Luther’ franchise, leaving viewers yearning for more of DCI John Luther, portrayed brilliantly by Idris Elba. While the film's runtime is limited to just two hours, Elba's performance is captivating and makes the viewing experience worthwhile. However, the open ending raises a significant plot hole regarding John Luther's pardon, disregarding the principles of law and order. Despite this, the film is a must-watch, and I would rate it four stars