New American series 'Lucky' starring Anya Taylor-Joy could have been a gripping crime thriller, but the first three episodes disappoint with a dull script and slow pacing, reports infohub.kz.
The series is based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Canadian author Marissa Stapley, a New York Times bestseller. The book was selected for Reese Witherspoon's book club, and Witherspoon also serves as executive producer of the adaptation. The story follows Lucky Armstrong, who grew up with a con artist father, committed a robbery with her husband, and finds herself caught between the FBI and criminals. She unexpectedly wins the lottery, but the risk of losing her freedom remains.
However, on screen these elements fail to coalesce into a quality production. The first episode is overloaded with details but misses the core, leaving the viewer confused. The second episode clarifies the situation but fails to generate empathy for the heroine. The third finally presents more interesting events, but for a seven-episode project, such a slow build is excessive.
With a formulaic chase story, the ending is predictable: nothing will happen to the heroine until the final episode, making the viewing dull despite the action.
The cast is impressive: Anya Taylor-Joy gives her all, often refusing a stunt double, though she doesn't showcase a new range. Timothy Olyphant as Lucky's father adds ambiguity. Annette Bening as crime boss Priscilla can steal a scene with a single glance. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor makes even the formulaic FBI agent line interesting.
The paradox of the series is that the supporting characters are more compelling than the central intrigue. Viewers are more interested in the stories of Lucky's father, Priscilla, or Rand than in yet another escape attempt by the heroine. For now, 'Lucky' resembles a race with a known outcome, where the script falters from the start.