Star turns from Andy Serkis and Idris Elba as Luther gets the film treatment

Film review: Luther: The Fallen Sun (15) – seen on Netflix

Starring: Idris Elba, Cynthia, Andy Serkis and Dermot Crowley

Running time: 2hr 9 mins Director: Jamie Payne

There’s been many great British dramas on our TV screens over recent years, but so many of them seem to outstay their welcome, not knowing that to quit when you’re winning is a good thing.

Think Killing Eve, Sherlock and even Line Of Duty – all great series than went on just that little bit too long.

However, BBC cop drama Luther joins such esteemed company as Happy Valley and Peaky Blinders in still keeping us on the edge of our seats.

For nine years, from 2010 to 2019, Idris Elba starred as the unconventional cop, defeating the worst criminals that London’s unpleasant underworld could throw at him.

So when Netflix bought the rights and announced it was releasing a feature film, fans were quite rightly excited. And did the movie deliver for them? More or less.

After just 20 episodes in nine years, Elba and co always left us wanting more, and this film is a natural progression from the TV series, although (for reasons obvious to fans) not starring many familiar faces.

In fact, only Crowley as Luther’s long-suffering boss Martin Schenk survives from the TV series. However, those of us who mourn the absence of Ruth Wilson as his accomplice/nemesis Alice Morgan, now have Andy Serkis’ David Robey to delight in.

Serkis steals the show and his serial killer is possibly the most evil of all Luther’s adversaries, ridiculous and terrifying in equal measures.

The scenes where he kisses and caresses his wife Georgette (Tara Fitzgerald), who has been burned and badly deformed after he set her on fire, are creepily chilling.

Elba puts in his usual assured performance as the tough yet vulnerable detective and Erivo as DCI Odette Raine is a welcome addition to the Luther clan.

There’s enough twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seats too, and the ending, if a little unsatisfying, at least paves the way for our hero’s return. And a welcome one it would be.

By Jeremy Ransome

Rating: 7/10