Critics Split Over Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” Following September 19 Reviews

Lead Reviewers delivered mixed verdicts on Netflix’s new crime thriller Black Rabbit on September 19, highlighting strong performances but critiquing its pacing and structure.

Nut Graf The eight-episode series, starring Jude Law and Jason Bateman as troubled brothers running a high-stakes New York restaurant, has divided critics. Praise centers on the leads’ chemistry and tense action, while detractors point to overcomplicated plotting and uneven tone - a reception that will shape viewer expectations as the show settles into Netflix’s weekend lineup.

Early Fan and Critic Scores

Substantial online metrics emerged on Friday:

  • Rotten Tomatoes mechanicals report a 65% critic score and 68% audience score, just enough for a “fresh” rating.
  • Decider urged viewers to “Stream It”, lauding the leads despite warning of overstuffed storytelling.

Praise for Performances and Tone

  • TechRadar users praised the series’ “bleak nature”, noting it hooked fans accustomed to character-driven thrillers.
  • Multiple reviewers commended Law and Bateman for injecting urgency into their roles, salvaging weaker narrative moments.

Criticisms of Plot and Pacing

  • Deccan Herald slammed the show as predictable and plodding, awarding it 2 stars out of 5 and deriding its “bitter aftertaste”.
  • Several reviewers found the in medias res opening gimmick stale, arguing it undercut suspense rather than enhance it.

Behind the Fictional Restaurant

A parallel report in The New York Times delved into the real-world inspirations for the series’ centerpiece, the Black Rabbit gastro-pub, drawing parallels to Manhattan’s Spotted Pig and its celebrated-then-scandalized history. This context underscores the drama’s relevance amid ongoing conversations about power and accountability in high-end dining.

What Comes Next

With viewer interest already piqued by strong lead performances, Netflix subscribers will soon decide if Black Rabbit merits bingeing. The series’ future may hinge on whether word-of-mouth favors its tense, character-driven moments over its structural complexity.