REVIEW: 'MobLand' Arrives With Style And Dominance
- Kevin Verma
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
The crime drama genre has seen its fair share of entries, but MobLand, created by Ronan Bennett (Top Boy, The Day Of The Jackal) and co-written by Jez Butterworth (Edge of Tomorrow, Spectre), and directed by the master of slick, stylish gangster films, Guy Ritchie (Snatch, The Gentlemen), brings a refreshing mix of old-school gangster charm and modern storytelling finesse. With its star-studded cast featuring Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Tom Hardy, the first 2 episodes of MobLand deliver an engaging, well-paced, and intriguing start that sets the stage for a potential hit.
One of MobLand’s biggest selling points is its impressive ensemble cast which also includes Paddy Considine, Lara Pulver, Mandeep Dhillon and Joanne Frogatt, and they certainly don’t disappoint. Pierce Brosnan steps into familiar territory as the head of an organized crime family, exuding power and dominance. Helen Mirren, who plays his wife is the real brains behind the operation. Her Irish accent is spot on as expected and her character is cunning, calculative, and razor-sharp in every move she makes. Mirren plays the role elegantly and menace, reminding viewers why she’s one of the best in the business.
Tom Hardy takes on the role of Harry, a fixer who operates with quiet menace and controlled precision. He isn’t your typical muscle-bound enforcer; rather, he is a calculated problem solver, relying on intelligence over brute force. He carries himself with swagger and elegance while maintaining an understated, dangerous presence. What makes his character even more intriguing is his humanity—he’s a devoted family man, deeply loyal, and devoid of the arrogance that plagues many gangster archetypes. His struggling marriage adds emotional depth, making his character more than just another tough guy in a crime drama.
The first two episodes do an excellent job of setting up the power struggle within the syndicate while hinting at the brewing conflict with the Stevensons, a rival gang whose long-standing truce with Brosnan and Mirren’s characters is on the verge of collapse. While the show doesn’t rely on relentless action sequences, it maintains a gripping sense of tension, making every conversation, every exchange, feel like it could explode into violence at any moment. When the brutality does arrive, it is sharp, impactful, and never overindulgent.
The pacing is a standout feature—neither too slow nor too fast, MobLand finds its rhythm and sticks to it. The show doesn’t feel rushed or bogged down by unnecessary subplots, instead choosing to focus on its central conflict while gradually expanding its world. This allows for natural character development and a deeper investment in the power dynamics at play.
Guy Ritchie’s directorial influence is undeniable, though MobLand feels slightly more restrained compared to his previous works. The signature savvy dialogues and dry humor are present, but they never overpower the drama. The humor is effective but doesn’t dominate the narrative the way it does in The Gentlemen or Snatch—instead, it serves as a welcome relief in an otherwise tense, blood-soaked drama. The show carries a sense of sophistication, and just sucks you in with its characters and worldbuilding.
MobLand is off to an impressive start, and shows potential to be the next big crime drama. While it does show signs of being conventional at times, with familiar gangster tropes and power struggles, it also introduces fresh ideas that keep it from feeling stale. The character-driven storytelling, combined with excellent performances, helps elevate it beyond being just another crime drama. The end of episode two sets up an exciting trajectory, leaving viewers eager for what’s to come.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About MobLand
Premiere Date: March 30, 2025
Episode Count: 10
Executive Producer/Showrunner: Ronan Bennett, Guy Ritchie, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Ivan Atkinson, Keith Cox, Nina L. Diaz, Jez Butterworth, Kris Thykier, Tom Hardy, Dean Baker
Writer: Ronan Bennett
Director: Anthony Byrne, Guy Ritchie, Daniel Syrkin, Lawrence Gough
Production: MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios
Network: Paramount+
Cast: Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Lara Pulver, Anson Boon, Mandeep Dhillon, Jasmine Jobson, Alex Fine, Geoff Bell, Daniel Betts, Lisa Dwan, Emily Barber, Janet McTeer
Synopsis: Two mob families clash in a war that threatens to topple empires and lives.
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