2 Best Movies to Watch by Warren Brown

Ok, two words: Idris Elba. This 11-time Emmy-nominated detective series is his show. He leads the action as DCI John Luther, a Serious Crime Unit detective, who is as smart as he is self-destructive. A committed policeman but frequently in over his head and prone to be consumed by the darkness of the criminals he pursues. And, finally, a main role where Elba can legitimately use his thick East London accent, innit. Creator and writer Neil Cross (Doctor Who) has said to be inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Columbo. While this is a pretty apt description of Luther's ambivalence, this detective delves into even darker territory than his cultural predecessors. In addition to Elba, Ruth Wilson is one of many amazing actors that grace the show, playing the seductive and completely psycho character Alice. Luther will routinely have you on the edge of your seat screaming “No, why did you do that?”, rooting for the DCI even when he's taking all the wrong turns. This gritty BBC drama is British television at its nail-biting best.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Actor: David OHara, Dermot Crowley, Enzo Cilenti, Idris Elba, Indira Varma, John Heffernan, Michael Smiley, Neil Cross, Patrick Malahide, Paul McGann, Ruth Wilson, Saskia Reeves, Sienna Guillory, Warren Brown, Wunmi Mosaku

Director: Jamie Payne

Rating: TV-MA

If The Responder doesn't use its relatively short length to tell the meatiest story, its shifty character dynamics still make for compelling drama. At the heart of this police drama is its protagonist's desire to be "a good person"—even if he's already neck-deep in a web of corruption and deceit that he can't just escape from. It's a premise that's definitely been done before, but the show still gives it a distinct flavor, with a quiet, small-town feel and strong performances across the board. As a by-the-book rookie cop, Adelayo Adedayo displays helplessness and defiance in different ways, while Martin Freeman successfully plays against type, as a world-weary officer whose every outburst stings with both indignation and self-loathing.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Adelayo Adedayo, Martin Freeman, MyAnna Buring, Warren Brown

2 Best Movies to Watch by Warren Brown

1. Luther, 2019

2. The Responder, 2022