Keira Knightley’s spy thrillerBlack Dovesis already a hit on Netflix, providing the leading, action-packed, comical, and heartfelt role that’s been missing since her last starringPirates of the Caribbeanmovie. After making notable appearances inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace(1999),Bend it Like Beckham(2002), andLove Actually(2003),Knightley skyrocketed to fame at 18 years old upon starring in the main female role in the swashbuckler hitPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl(2003). As Elizabeth Swann, Knightley proved she was highly skilled at playing quick-witted, action-adept romantic lead characters.
Knightley would appear as Elizabeth Swann in fourPirates of the Caribbeanmovies; her last starring role in 2007’sAt World’s End, followed by acameo in 2017’sDead Men Tell No Tales. During this time, Knightley also expanded her filmography through a notable string of period romances and wartime dramas, includingPride and Prejudice,Anna Karenina,The Imitation Game, and, recently, the 2023 crime thrillerBoston Strangler. However, it wasn’t until Knightley was cast in Netflix’sBlack Dovesthat it felt like she hadanother leading acclaimed action project that could size up to herPirates of the Caribbeanrole.
Black Doves Is Keira Knightley’s Greatest Action Role Since Pirates Of The Caribbean
Black Doves Returns Keira Knightley To The Action-Heavy Spotlight
It’s been quite some time since Keira Knightley was at the center of a big action/thriller project, andBlack Dovesarrives with incredibly positive reception from critics and audiences alike. All six episodes ofBlack Dovesseason 1 debuted on Netflix on December 5, initially opening to a coveted 100% score from critics onRotten Tomatoes. Among the most widely-praised aspects of the series is the performance of Keira Knightley, who leadsBlack Doves’ castasHelen Webb, a spy who leads a double life as the wife of the UK’s Secretary of Defense.
New Keira Knightley Spy Thriller With 100% On RT Is Now Streaming On Netflix & It’s Perfect To Watch While Waiting For The Night Agent Season 2
While waiting for The Night Agent season 2’s anticipated release, Netflix has a hit new spy thriller starring Keira Knightley to watch.
The series kicks off when Helen is informed that her lover, Jason, has been killed, with her investment in the mystery behind his death leading her to reconnect with her former triggerman colleague, Sam (Whishaw), to find Jason’s killer. Along the way, Helen and Sam uncover a dangerous political and criminal scandal connected to the death of the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, putting their own lives and those of their family on the line.Knightley gets to shine in some thrilling action sequences, comical moments, and captivating emotional developments.
79%
53%
43%
30%
Black Doves(2024-present)
98%
Overall,Black Dovescombines many of the diverse acting skills that Knightley has showcased across various genres and projects over the years. Plus, with Knightley in the starring role, it certainly has the potential to be her biggest action outing since the originalPirates of the Caribbeantrilogy. Not to mention, it’s also her most critically acclaimed action/thriller role after that time, surpassing the Rotten Tomatoes scores of her movies likeJack Ryan: Shadow Recruit(55%).Currently,Black Dovesis Knightley’s highest-rated starring project of all time on Rotten Tomatoes, beating all herPirates of the Caribbeanfilms.
Black Doves Is A Terrific Replacement For Keira Knightley’s Post-POTC Movie Franchise Rule
Knightley Won’t Join Another Movie Franchise After Pirates Of The Caribbean
As exciting as it is to see Knightley leading another acclaimed, action-packed project, that doesn’t mean it’s setting her up for a return in theupcomingPirates of the Caribbeanmovie. Rather,Knightley recently noted that she had no intentions of joining another movie franchiseafterPirates of the Caribbean. According to Knightley, franchises likePirates of the Caribbeancan not only be tough on an actor’s career perception, but may also cause prolonged issues with schedules and feeling some control over filming challenges:
“It’s a funny thing when you have something that was making and breaking you at the same time. I was seen as sh*t because of them, and yet because they did so well, I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for. They were the most successful films I’ll ever be a part of, and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly. So they’re a very confused place in my head.
The hours are insane. It’s years of your life, you have no control over where you’re filming, how long you’re filming, what you’re filming.”
WhileKnightley may not take the lead of another franchise likePirates of the Caribbean, she now has a fantastic, potentially long-running substitute on the small screen.Black Doveswas already given a two-season order by Netflix, whichmarks the first time sincePirates of the Caribbeanthat Knightley has regularly reprised a roleacross multiple seasons or movies of a series. Plus,Black Dovesis actually centered on Knightley’s character, whereasPirates of the Caribbean’s primary figure is Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow.
Why The Reviews For Black Doves Are So Great
Black Doves Has A Captivating Story & Breaks Away From Genre Formula
From the opening scene to the final moment ofBlack Dovesseason 1’s ending, the Netflix series is filled with intrigue, wonderful action sequences, and some fantastic character-focused dramatic mysteries throughout. Overall, the show has received substantialpraise for its humor, emotional story, formula-breaking spy thriller plot, engaging twists, cast performances, and chemistrybetweenBlack Dovesstars Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. It takes some refreshing risks for a spy thriller, and with Knightley and Whishaw at the lead,Black Dovesprovides entertainment even for more casual fans of the genre.
Black Doves
Cast
Black Doves is a suspenseful thriller released in December 2024. It follows a spy masquerading as a politician’s wife who, after discovering her lover’s murder, joins forces with an old assassin associate to uncover the truth and seek revenge.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A series of fantasy swashbuckler films produced by Disney, featuring the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Known for its supernatural elements, high-seas action, and iconic characters, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon and was loosely based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name.
