Month by month I’m bringing you news of my favorite things to watch on Netflix. First we talked about the adorable Ellie Kemper in the Netflix Original Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Tina Fey can do no wrong. Don’t argue with me, it’s true. Then, we talked about Jon Stewart’s directorial debut Rosewater, which I really liked, a lot, despite all the critics. This month we need to talk about Luther.
You guys. LUTHER. I’ll be honest, I genuinely hesitated for a while about whether or not to recommend Luther. It’s violent, and scary, and very TV-14. And it’s also brilliant, fascinating, and so, SO well done.
It’s no secret I’m obsessed with all things BBC. In fact, if a show has BBC in the top corner, it’s practically a guarantee I’ll give it 5 stars. But I’ve really hesitated with Luther because I hate scary shows. I end up scared and shivering deep into the night, convinced there’s a serial killer in my closet every single time I watch one, so I waited. Luther has been around since 2010 and the reviews have been amazing from day 1, so I was willing to look past the gore. And there’s a fair amount of gore, scary stuff and serial killers.
Luther himself, the protagonist and star of the show played by Idris Elba, is nuts. A totally likeable, brilliant sociopath particularly adept at solving crimes, probably because he thinks a bit like a killer. A lot like a killer. And no, it’s not really like Sherlock, if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s more grisly, less about being inside the detective’s head and more about the crime itself, the criminal, the intent. It’s crazy good, and you really have to watch it.
I pace myself with Luther. I watch about 30 minutes at a time, then go do something else while I try not to think about the killer, and then I have to find out what happened and finish the episode. It’s really that captivating. Even a wimp scary movie avoider like me loves the thrill of Luther.
So this month, The Show to Watch on Netflix Now: Luther.
// p.s. this post is in partnership as a member of the Netflix Stream Team. which just means I watch Netflix for you and find all the good stuff so you can spend your time doing useful things. see also: my job is awesome + I live to serve you. //
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
Aaaahhhhh, this show! So good, but so scary. Have you made it to season 3 yet? The first episode of season 3. I still try not to think about it. That’s all I can say.
But also, Idris Elba is so great in this role! I watched this show before I binged The Wire, in which he plays the nefarious drug dealer Stringer Bell. I found that my brain was taking all my good feelings about Luther and trying to make me sympathize with Stringer. I had to keep reminding myself that Stringer was not a good man and I should want to see him in prison. That’s how strong the pull of Luther is.
P.S. If you find you are very, very courageous after finishing Luther, check out The Fall. Crazy creepy, crazy good.