The director Jonathan Glazer, known for his thought-provoking films, is currently gaining recognition for his Holocaust drama 'The Zone of Interest.' With only four films under his belt, it's an opportune time to revisit Glazer's debut feature, the 2000 crime drama 'Sexy Beast.' Starring Ray Winstone as a retired gangster who gets pulled back into the criminal world, this film has managed to withstand the test of time.
'Sexy Beast' is a compact, funny, and philosophical exploration of how the past refuses to stay buried. It follows the story of Gal, played by Ray Winstone, a former London gangster now living a peaceful life in Spain after his release from prison. However, his tranquility is disturbed when he is dragged back into the criminal underworld by his childhood friend Don, played by Emun Elliott. This gripping narrative unfolds with wit and intrigue, revealing Gal's falling out with Don, his time behind bars, and his eventual marriage to Deedee (Sarah Greene), who later joins him in Spain.
The new adaptation of 'Sexy Beast' takes the form of an eight-episode series on Paramount+. The series serves as a prequel, delving into Gal's earlier life as a small-time thief in London's East End. James McArdle steps into the role of a younger Gal, offering a fresh perspective on the character. Developed by Michael Caleo, a writer from 'The Sopranos,' the series explores the London underworld of the post-Thatcher era.
While the idea of a prequel may sound intriguing, this adaptation fails to escape the shadow of its predecessor. 'Sexy Beast' the series is primarily focused on filling in backstory and answering questions that likely never occurred to fans of the original film. This approach may leave newcomers feeling disconnected from the narrative. It seems that the series prioritizes exposition and story over the tension and stylish economy that made the film so captivating.
The original 'Sexy Beast' was notable for its visually striking moments and its unique vibe. Directed by Jonathan Glazer, who honed his skills in the world of music videos, the film offered memorable images like a boulder crashing into a swimming pool and a safe-cracking scene set underwater. These artistic choices were driven by style and aesthetics rather than practicality or logical necessity.
Unfortunately, the prequel series becomes too preoccupied with the details of Gal, Don, and Deedee's origin stories, losing sight of the stylish and atmospheric flair that made the original so mesmerizing. Television's demand for in-depth exposition and a longer runtime may have contributed to this dilution of the original concept.
The series introduces new characters and explores their backgrounds, such as Don's sister Cecilia (Tamsin Greig) who raised him, and Deedee's past as an adult film star. While these additions attempt to add depth and complexity to the story, they serve as distractions from the core narrative. The series also includes excessive violence and graphic sexual assault scenes, which detract from the story's overall impact.
In an attempt to expand on a successful film, 'Sexy Beast' the series loses its way by focusing on elements that are less captivating and less essential. As the saying goes, 'less is more,' and this adaptation perhaps falls victim to the pressure to create a franchise rather than preserving the original film's impact.
For those interested in exploring 'Sexy Beast' the series, the first three episodes are now available for streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes released weekly on Thursdays. It remains to be seen whether this adaptation can capture the essence of its predecessor or forge its own distinct identity.
