Keira Knightley is known for the many historical dramas and romantic films that dominate her filmography, but also for a brand new Netflix spy drama – the six-episode action-packed series Black pigeonsCreated by Joe Barton, the film will see the actress shine in a way she has never done before: as a cold and ruthlessly efficient spy who is both a loving wife and mother and is extremely deadly with a weapon.

As an unabashed fan of the spy genre, I still have to admit that if you’ve seen one spy series, you’ve more or less seen them all. Be it a show like Slow horses, The Americans, Mr and Mrs Smithor the acclaimed new Paramount+ with Showtime hit The agencythese stories are generally full of intrigue and the imperfections of men and women whose professions root them in the secret world. In other words, even the best of these shows aren’t necessarily insightful; Despite all the fascination with cloak and dagger, it’s the people you’re ultimately drawn to.

To that end, Knightley was an inspired choice Black pigeons“Helen Webb, a woman who has lived a double life as a humble tradwife for ten years while passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the shady group she works for, the so-called Black Doves. This group, in turn, sells the acquired secrets to the highest bidder. As if that wasn’t enough, Helen also has a secret lover. A whole bunch of mistakes when you add them up – murderer, adulterer, secret thief. But when Knightley flashes that million-dollar smile, you don’t hold it against her. I dare say you’re actually thrilled with her character – bloody face and John Wick-style shootouts be damned.

I didn’t think it would be so satisfying to see Miss Elizabeth Bennett herself at the center of shootouts, gang fights and all sorts of espionage shenanigans. Speaking of which: Black pigeons has already garnered plenty of rave reviews before its streaming debut. So many, in fact, that it arrives on Netflix with a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s reviewers rave that the show is “hugely entertaining,” “irresistible,” and a “surprisingly heartfelt thriller.” In other words, fucking escapist fun.

“When her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is murdered,” Netflix explains of Knightley’s character, “her spymaster, the enigmatic Reed (Sarah Lancashire), calls in Helen’s old friend Sam (Whishaw) to ensure her safety. Together, Helen and Sam embark on a mission to find out who killed Jason and why. In doing so, they uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy that links London’s shadowy underworld to an impending geopolitical crisis.”

Geopolitics, the London underworld, spies, conspiracies and secret lives? Say no more, Netflix. Black pigeons has already enchanted me body and soul.