“The Penguin” makes an explosive entrance into the Batman film franchise with a show reminiscent more of mob focused crime dramas than typical superhero fare. The incredibly human characters make every scene feel personal, even as the show prepares to slip in the knife.
Throughout the eight-episode run, I never found my attention wane, even for a moment. Colin Farrell’s performance as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, the titular penguin, was both compelling, charismatic and terrifying.
As you get to know and understand Oz, see his growing partnership with his young assistant Victor “Vic” Aguilar played by Rhenzy Feliz, you can’t help but find yourself taken in by his charm. In the same way characters in the show are taken in. It makes it more painful when the depths Oz is willing to descend to are revealed.
Sophia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, serves as an excellent foil to Oz. Milioti plays her as a sympathetic and tragic character. Who, once kind, is warped by her experiences as she resorts to increasingly ruthless methods? The supporting cast also turn in outstanding performances, adding a lot to the depth and believability of the world.
For me, despite its departures from traditional depictions of its Batman characters, it retains the most important essence of the franchise. Its characters aren’t frightening because they’re violent, they’re frightening because they’re human.
The Penguin is unmissable, a wonderful experience that will leave you unable to let go until its bitter conclusion. If this is the quality we can expect, then I eagerly look forward to what’s next for Matt Reeve’s take on the Batman franchise.