Keira Knightley Leads Netflix’s Black Doves Spy Caper

Black Doves is a new Netflix thriller that combines two familiar storytelling tropes: the hitman with a hidden vulnerability and the spy who risks her mission for love. Written by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project), the series delivers a fresh, exciting, and humor-filled adventure, featuring stellar performances from Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley.

The story follows Helen Webb (Knightley), a woman living a comfortable life in London with her husband, Wallace Webb (Andrew Buchan), a rising political figure. However, Helen’s perfect life is a façade. Beneath the surface, she works for the Black Doves, a covert mercenary group, while secretly maintaining a relationship with Jason Davies (Andrew Koji), a government worker. When Jason is murdered, Helen is determined to seek revenge, prompting her boss, Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), to recruit Sam (Whishaw), an old friend and hitman, to protect her.

The central mystery of Black Doves revolves around the assassination of a Chinese ambassador and the disappearance of his daughter. But the real heart of the show is the bond between Helen and Ben, two brokenhearted characters who share a deep understanding of each other. For Ben, who has been in exile after a failed mission, returning to London brings him face-to-face with painful memories, including his estranged partner, Michael (Omari Douglas), and his former employer, Lenny (Kathryn Hunter).

Set against the festive backdrop of London at Christmas, the series opens with a dramatic action sequence involving the murder of Jason and his associates. The story quickly moves through six fast-paced episodes, with Joe Barton keeping the plot moving without unnecessary delays. By episode two, viewers already know key backstory details about how Helen joined the Black Doves and how she and Sam crossed paths.

From their first meeting in a dark London parking lot, Sam and Helen immediately recognize each other as kindred spirits. Their shared chaotic careers provide a sense of comfort and understanding. Keira Knightley shines in the role of Helen, delivering a performance that blends action-hero toughness, sharp humor, and emotional depth. Ben Whishaw gives an equally compelling performance as Sam, portraying a skilled but gentle hitman with a tragic past.

While Black Doves occasionally falls into predictable spy drama clichés, the strong chemistry between the lead characters and the entertaining ensemble cast make it enjoyable to watch. Ella Lily Hyland and Gabrielle Creevy provide comic relief as two young, unbothered assassins, adding a humorous edge to the show.

With Netflix already renewing Black Doves for a second season, the final episode sets up intriguing new challenges for Helen and Sam. Fans are eagerly hoping for another thrilling adventure in Christmas 2025. Black Doves premieres Dec. 5 on Netflix.