'A Thousand Blows' Review
Steven Knight, renowned for his mastery of historical drama, is back with another gripping British series that follows in the footsteps of SAS: Rogue Heroes and the acclaimed Peaky Blinders. Nearly three years after Peaky Blinders concluded, Knight returns with a tale rooted in real-life figures and settings, this time spotlighting Stephen Graham, the iconic star of Boiling Point and This Is England, as a formidable bare-knuckle boxer. While Graham’s powerful performance is a major highlight, Knight also skillfully builds an intriguing ensemble cast.
'A Thousand Blows.'
Hulu
As with Knight's previous work, A Thousand Blows is packed with intense rivalries, intricate schemes, and the kind of tension seen in Peaky Blinders, along with a family pub at the center of the story. Social and political themes are prevalent, especially the stark contrast between the working-class struggles of the East End and the aristocratic elite of the West End.
What makes A Thousand Blows stand out is the heartfelt bond between Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Lovehall), whose immigrant experience adds an emotional depth to the series. Kirby’s standout performance as Hezekiah reveals a sensitive portrayal of his character’s journey. He complements Graham, whose intense transformation into the violent and gritty Henry 'Sugar' Goodson is remarkable. Graham’s portrayal channels the raw energy of This Is England’s Combo, yet with an added layer of complexity beneath his tough exterior—though this complexity could have been explored further.
The show also delves into the history of the Forty Elephants, an all-female criminal gang, providing a fascinating look at the challenges women faced in Victorian-era London. Erin Doherty’s Mary Carr, the gang’s cunning leader, ties the various storylines together, and her chemistry with Kirby’s Hezekiah adds a compelling dynamic. However, it’s unfortunate that more time isn’t devoted to exploring the shared history between Mary and Graham’s character, Sugar. While the series boasts a stellar supporting cast, including James Nelson-Joyce, Jason Tobin, and Daniel Mays, the sheer number of characters and plotlines can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The show's gritty setting is brought to life with detailed period sets and costumes, creating a truly immersive experience. A thrilling heist sequence and some brutally intense boxing matches, including one jaw-dropping fight, stand out as some of the most memorable moments.
