The Penguin (2024) Review

As someone who really enjoyed Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), the announcement of The Penguin mini-series had me super excited. The prospect of diving deeper into Gotham’s criminal underbelly, especially through the eyes of Oswald Cobblepot, was a thrilling prospect. After watching all eight episodes, I can confidently say the series exceeded my expectations. Beware, there are some spoilers ahead.

Set directly after the events of The Batman, the series explores the power vacuum in Gotham’s criminal underworld following Carmine Falcone’s death. Colin Farrell reprises his role as the Penguin, and the show chronicles Oz’s relentless and morally bankrupt rise to power. Opposing him is Sofia Falcone (played by the brilliant Christine Milioti), Carmine’s daughter, who is determined to reclaim her family’s legacy. Their battle for dominance is a gritty, suspenseful chess match filled with betrayal, manipulation, and a hefty dose of brutality.

Let’s start with Colin Farrell. If you thought his transformation in The Batman was jaw-dropping, The Penguin pushes it even further. The makeup and prosthetics are flawless, making it almost impossible to recognise him. Oz is vile, calculating, and ruthless. He betrays loved ones, manipulates allies, and destroys anyone who dares cross him. Yet Farrell’s layered portrayal also makes you root for him, even as you recoil from his actions. He takes the character to new depths, and the moral whiplash he induces is nothing short of brilliant.

Christine Milioti as Sofia Falcone is equally captivating. She strikes an unsettling balance between vulnerability and menace, shaped by years of disrespect and mistreatment. Her psychotic edge emerges in chilling ways, making her a formidable and unpredictable opponent. The tension between Sofia and Oz is palpable, and their scenes crackle with intensity. Both Farrell and Milioti deliver performances that are masterclasses in subtlety and controlled chaos, enhancing the series’ eerie, atmospheric tone.

The show is meticulously crafted, with each 60-minute episode brimming with detail and tension. The dark, gritty aesthetic that defined The Batman returns, and it’s just as effective here. Gotham feels alive and foreboding, a perfect stage for this tale of ambition and betrayal. If you loved the oppressive, moody vibe of The Batman, The Penguin will have you hooked.

Matt Reeves is building something special with this universe. This mini-series feels like a natural extension of The Batman, and it leaves me eagerly anticipating The Batman 2. The intricate storytelling, combined with exceptional performances, makes The Penguin one of the standout TV shows of 2024. I initially thought Shogun would be my favourite show of the year, but The Penguin is giving it serious competition.

If you haven’t watched The Penguin yet and enjoyed The Batman, you owe it to yourself to dive in. The show is available in the UK on Sky Atlantic/Now TV, or you can purchase it on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. For collectors, a physical release is slated for March 17, 2025.

In short, The Penguin is a triumph—a dark, thrilling, and expertly acted exploration of Gotham’s criminal heart. Don’t miss it!