Although actor Jason Bateman has been in the acting sphere since the early 1980s, nothing propelled him more into the spotlight than Arrested Development. This Emmy Award-winning satirical sitcom about the Bluth family paved the way for mockumentaries like The Office or shaky-cam comedies like Modern Family. The show also had the effect of tethering Bateman to the comedy genre.
Even though Bateman was a major part of Arrested Development’s success, he didn’t want to be defined solely by it. He clearly had more to offer, and that came in the form of 2017’s Ozark, where he plays another father who is involved with money laundering, drug dealing, and a lot of murder. This is far and away from what was portrayed in the earlier Fox series. Even though Ozark gained many Emmy nominations as well, these accolades weren’t enough. Enter Netflix‘s new crime series, Black Rabbit.
As with Ozark, Bateman stars in and executive-produces this show, joined by Jude Law in the role of the main character. Law plays Jake Friedken, owner of one of the most trendy restaurants in New York City. Everything in Jake’s world is holding up just fine until his brother, Vince (played by Bateman), comes back into the picture. Bateman needs to own this role for the show to work. Does he?
An Unhinged Jason Bateman Is Perfect in ‘Black Rabbit’
Needless to say, Black Rabbit has a cinematic style that is often lacking in many Netflix originals these days. The camerawork makes you feel present in the lounge, and the color palette reinforces the fiery tone in and out of the kitchen. Bateman brings the darkness and grit the show needs. He plays a distracted and disturbed brother, recklessly throwing away money, getting into bed with loan sharks like it’s no big deal, and showing violent behavior at a moment’s notice.
Joining Law in this chaotic foray into the lounge business are Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Amaka Okafor, and Troy Kotsur. They all deliver excellent performances. However, the overall suspense that helps viewers move from episode to episode comes from Batman’s portrayal of his character. After all, Vince’s presence ultimately brings many secrets to light that could jeopardize Jake’s entire career.
The longevity of both Arrested Development and Ozark has undoubtedly contributed to the on-screen development of this character. In fact, the actor who was once known for his comedic timing has evolved that strength into a fusion — Vince is mischievous, reckless, deceitful, and even charming. The audience ends up feeling the same way for this anarchic person, just as Jake does. One minute, you’re happy that he’s back on the mend and helping the family business, and the next, you hate him for the trouble he’s causing everyone around him.
There are certainly other plot points in Black Rabbit that will grab the attention of viewers. However, for the most part, these stories tend to lean into soap opera tropes and theatrical flourishes. When Bateman’s character is on-screen, you either know that the stakes are about to be raised tenfold or some hold-your-breath action sequence will take place.
Just look at Episode 2 of Black Rabbit, for instance, when Vince is confronted by Joe Mancuso’s son and one of their goons inside the office building. Instead of accepting his fate, Jake’s brother breaks free from their vice, and a chase sequence ensues that becomes one of the most memorable moments of this show. Long empty spaces, no dialogue, but Bateman holds the scene like it’s a lifeline.
Vince scurries through each room and hallway like a mouse being chased by a cat. He throws down obstacles and hides in small spaces. Bateman knows not to bring the tone all the way to sheer fear, but a special kind of nuanced panic. He beautifully conveys this all the way to the end of the sequence, never allowing it to feel stale or stretched out. The conclusion of this chase makes Vince that much more desperate for the money he owes. Ultimately, the climax of this new crime thriller relies on Bateman’s darker side and is one you do not want to miss. Black Rabbit is now available to stream on Netflix.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Sarah Gubbins
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