MobLand review – A blood-soaked symphony of power and betrayal

All can end up being more or less repetitive when it comes to the structure and style of crime. MobLand might be able to turn some heads with a fresh approach to an all too familiar genre. The series combines an old-school gangster attitude with modern cinematic flair and is directed by Guy Ritchie and created by Ronan Bennett.

It's brutal, noisy, sometimes self-indulgent, but always captivating. MobLand is set in London’s contemporary and violent underworld. It narrates the story of two contending families: the old-money Harrigans and the street-born Stevensons. It details how a single instance of violence can turn their years-old feud into chaos.

The ensuing saga of violence, betrayal, and familial disintegration ends up spiraling dangerously out of control for all the participants.

Tom Hardy Leads a Stellar Ensemble

The center of MobLand is Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a cunning and shrewd contractor for the Harrigans’ family. Hardy is absolutely spellbinding as Da Souza, embodying a quiet but rage filled character, brutal in every sense of the word.

He is in command of every scene he is present in with a cold calculation, occasionally erupting into biting fury. This performance was destined for him, and without reprieve, he was able to deliver the narcissistic rage of his character. Conrad Harrigan, the father-in-law, is elusive, cold, and, notably, a sharp dresser. The brothers made the role feel effortless, including filling the gold.

Now, turn to matriarch Maeve Harrigan, who has a duplicitous twist to her character. Mirren's Maeve stands out with her rude logic and motherly care, fierce and tender, as when, for instance, she hands her grandson cocaine clasped by the bra cleverly disguised in a grandma's hug.

Shocking, indeed, but surely rational. Paddy Considine was further thoughtfully cast as Kevin Harrigan, the unacknowledged son who is not treated with respect within the family. As for bumbling Eddie Harrigan, an overly reckless character who sparks nonstop fuel for the story's explosive events, is brought to life by Anson Boon.

Direction and Style: Classic Ritchie with a Darker Edge

The series bears Guy Ritchie’s name as a director. The action and the pace of the cinematography are stylishly kinetic while infused with London grime and gangster glam. There are crane shots of the rain-streaked streets with guys negotiating business deals.

Edits cut abruptly, and action is in slow motion adding emphasis to beat downs during the fights. The show’s soundtrack doesn’t lack boldness either. A mixture of grime, punk, and orchestral flourishes collide to match MobLand Ritchie’s mood tempo.

Music in Ritchie’s work is more than background noise; he punctuates his narrative with it. The series follows the visual of Snatch and The Gentlemen but adopts a somber and slower tempo. MobLand exchanges Ritchie’s trademark charm for something darker and deeper.

Legacy, Loyalty, and the Weight of Power

MobLand is more than a spate of gangland shootouts. It’s a reflection on the burdens of legacy and an equally loyal, yet toxic, betrayal surrounding it. The Harrigans are shackled not by love but by duty and blood, and that bond frays rather quickly under pressure.

Harry Da Souza is the moral pivot of the show. His loyalty is unquestionable but not blind. Watching the family descend into vengeance, Harry is the only man trying to maintain control—not for power— but to avert annihilation.

Power games in the Harrigan family go hand in hand with their rivals. The Stevensons à la Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell) don’t just desire control; they seek to obliterate and humiliate. The show thrives on this tension, exposing the fragility behind all the bravado.

A Bit Too Much, Too Often: Flaws

Although MobLand excels in performance and style, the show occasionally stumbles while trying to aim for the impossible. Some subplots, especially those concerning minor characters, feel rushed, with accompanying dialogue taking on a heavy-handed emotional confrontation paired with cliches.

While stylish, the violence can end up becoming monotonous. It works, but eventually, the audience might just want to pause and refresh.

Final Verdict: ‘Mobland’ is as Brutal as it is a Brilliant Experience

I'll give this a 9/10⭐

Mobland is a beautifully violent gangster tale that relentlessly pursues its purpose without trying to be discreet. And it does what it sets out to do. Supported by commanding presence from Hardy, Mirren, Brosnan, and under the direction of Ritchie whose smooth trademark is visible throughout, this film has become one of the best entertaining crime dramas in recent years.

It sure is excessive and violent, but at the same time, it is poetic.

Grippingly violent and emotionally layered, Mobland does not change the paradigm of gangster films, but it surely makes a bold and unforgettable statement in one.