Netflix has once again delivered a gripping limited series that’s bound to dominate conversations in living rooms and online forums alike. On September 18, 2025, the streaming giant dropped all eight episodes of Black Rabbit, a dark, propulsive crime thriller starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman as estranged brothers whose complicated relationship threatens to unravel everything they’ve painstakingly built. Set against the pulsating backdrop of New York City’s nightlife, this miniseries blends high-stakes drama, familial tension, and the gritty underbelly of the restaurant industry, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven stories like Ozark or Succession.
The series kicks off with a bang, immersing viewers in the world of Jake Friedken, played by Jude Law, a charismatic entrepreneur on the cusp of turning his restaurant and VIP lounge, Black Rabbit, into the hottest spot in the city. Jake has poured his heart and soul into the venue, transforming it from a modest eatery into a glamorous hub where celebrities, influencers, and everyday New Yorkers collide. But lurking in the shadows is his brother Vince, portrayed by Jason Bateman, whose unexpected return stirs up old wounds and invites a cascade of escalating dangers. Their bond, once unbreakable, now teeters on the edge of destruction, pulling in everyone around them—from loyal employees to shady associates—into a web of intrigue and peril.
At its core, Black Rabbit is a cautionary tale about brotherhood, addiction, and the fine line between loyalty and self-destruction. The brothers’ history is revealed through cleverly woven flashbacks, showing their younger days as aspiring rock stars in a band called The Black Rabbits. These glimpses into the past highlight how their volatile relationship has shaped their present, with Jake’s success built on a foundation that’s more fragile than it appears. Vince, fresh out of prison and grappling with his own demons, brings chaos back into Jake’s life, forcing him to confront choices that could cost him his empire, his family, and perhaps even his life. The narrative unfolds like a whodunit, starting with a violent incident at the restaurant that sets off a chain of events filled with twists, betrayals, and moral ambiguities.
What makes Black Rabbit stand out is its unflinching portrayal of the restaurant world as a microcosm of New York’s cutthroat energy. The Black Rabbit isn’t just a setting; it’s a character in its own right—a vibrant, neon-lit space where deals are made, secrets are whispered, and lives intersect in unexpected ways. The series captures the highs of running a successful hotspot, from the thrill of packed nights and celebrity sightings to the lows of financial pressures and interpersonal drama. Themes of addiction extend beyond substance abuse to Jake’s “addiction” to his brother, a toxic dependency that mirrors real-life familial struggles. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker sides of ambition, showing how success can attract dangerous elements, including organized crime figures and opportunistic hustlers.
Jude Law delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Jake Friedken, the polished yet haunted owner who’s equal parts visionary and vulnerable. Law, known for his roles in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley and Sherlock Holmes, brings a magnetic intensity to Jake, portraying him as a man who’s built walls around his emotions but can’t escape the pull of his past. His chemistry with Bateman is electric, making their brotherly dynamic feel authentic and lived-in. Bateman, stepping away from his comedic roots in Arrested Development to embrace more dramatic fare as seen in Ozark, embodies Vince with a mix of charm and menace. Vince is the wildcard—impulsive, troubled, and deeply flawed—but Bateman infuses him with enough humanity to make viewers root for redemption, even as his actions spiral out of control.
The supporting cast is equally stellar, adding layers to the ensemble. Cleopatra Coleman shines as Estelle, an esteemed interior designer who brings elegance and depth to the show’s aesthetic world. Amaka Okafor plays Roxie, an ambitious chef whose drive mirrors the brothers’ own hustle, while Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù portrays Wes, a musician and entrepreneur entangled in the nightlife scene. Dagmara Dominczyk is compelling as Val, Jake’s ex-wife and a philanthropist whose affluent life contrasts with the gritty undercurrents. Chris Coy appears as Babbitt, a low-level bookie, and Troy Kotsur steals scenes as Joe Mancuso, a deaf mobster with ties to the brothers’ history—his performance is raw and unforgettable, proving why he won an Oscar for CODA. Abbey Lee as Anna, the tough bartender, and Odessa Young as Gen, Vince’s estranged daughter and a tattoo artist, add emotional weight, exploring themes of legacy and forgiveness.
Other notable roles include Robin De Jesus as Tony, a talented chef; Amir Malaklou as Naveen, an investor; Don Harvey as Matt, a veteran bartender; Forrest Weber as Junior, a hotheaded criminal; Francis Benhamou as Lisa Klein, a journalist; Gus Birney as Mel Whitney, an aspiring actor; John Ales as Jules Zablonski, an artist; and Steve Witting as Andy, a moneylender. Even British singer-songwriter Raye makes a cameo, performing a soulful cover of “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” in Episode 3, which ties into the show’s nostalgic vibe.
Behind the camera, Black Rabbit boasts impressive talent. Created by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, who also serve as executive producers through Youngblood Pictures, the series draws from Baylin’s experience in storytelling, having penned scripts like King Richard. The directing duties are split among heavy hitters: Jason Bateman helms the first two episodes, infusing them with the moody tension he mastered on Ozark. Laura Linney, Bateman’s Ozark co-star, directs Episodes 3 and 4, bringing a sharp eye for character dynamics. Ben Semanoff takes on Episodes 5 and 6, while Justin Kurzel, known for The Order, closes out the series with Episodes 7 and 8, adding gritty realism.
Production-wise, the show is a collaboration of powerhouse teams. Executive producers include Bateman and Michael Costigan for Aggregate Films, Law and Ben Jackson for Riff Raff Entertainment, and others like Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Justin Levy, Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, David Bernon, and Erica Kay. The soundtrack features original songs by Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes, including “Outside People” and “Turned to Black,” which are presented as tracks from the brothers’ old band, co-written with his girlfriend Sarah Holt. This musical element enhances the series’ atmosphere, blending rock nostalgia with modern thriller vibes.
Visually, Black Rabbit is a feast, with cinematography that captures the allure and danger of New York’s nightlife. The restaurant scenes buzz with energy, contrasting sharp suits and glittering lights against shadowy alleys and tense confrontations. The pacing is relentless, each 45-minute episode packed with revelations that keep viewers hooked, though the binge-release model might overwhelm some, as the dense narrative demands full attention.
Reception has been strong, with early viewers praising the intense performances and atmospheric tension. The series currently holds a solid 7.0 rating on IMDb, reflecting a mix of enthusiasm and critique. Fans appreciate how it avoids clichés, delivering a realistic portrayal of flawed characters without easy resolutions. Law and Bateman’s portrayals have been hailed as career highlights, with their brotherly banter and conflicts feeling palpably real. The ensemble’s depth, particularly Kotsur’s menacing yet nuanced mobster, adds richness, though some note that secondary storylines could have been fleshed out more.
Critics have drawn parallels to Ozark, given Bateman’s involvement and the similar themes of crime and family, but Black Rabbit carves its own path by focusing on the restaurant industry’s incestuous nature—where employees become like family, and boundaries blur. It’s a story about integrity in the face of temptation, and how one bad decision can snowball into catastrophe. The show’s bleak tone doesn’t moralize; instead, it presents a devastatingly honest look at human frailty.
For those diving in, Black Rabbit is more than a thriller—it’s a character study that lingers long after the credits roll. With its star power, sharp writing, and timely exploration of addiction and loyalty, it’s poised to be Netflix’s next big hit. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat drama with emotional depth, queue it up now. Just be prepared: once you start, you won’t want to stop.
