Taron Egerton’s psychological thriller,Black Bird, is still a masterpiece three years after its release, and it only has six episodes, making it the perfect binge-watch.Black Birdchronicles the intense story of James “Jimmy” Keene, a criminal who makes a deal with the FBI to elicit a confession from a serial killer about where he buried his victims.
The limited series deserves more lovefrom audiences, as it was a hit with critics, resulting in a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score. Although it’s been three years sinceBlack Birddebuted, the psychological thriller remains one of the best series in its genre due to its great writing, incredible performance from the cast, and a story that will keep anyone on the edge of their seats.
Black Bird Was Loosely Based on a True Story
Black Bird Isn’t A Purely Fictional Story
Black Birdtells a compelling story, and that’s partly because it was based on true events. In 1995,Larry Hall was convicted of kidnapping Jessica Roach, a 15-year-old girl who went missing in Georgetown, Illinois.
Although he initially confessed to not only the murder of Roach but 15 girls in total, Hall recanted his story and claimed that he had nothing to do with the crime (viaCNN).
For years, Hall would constantly confess to the crimes and then recant his story, frustrating law enforcement officers who were in charge of his case.
In 1996,Keene became a part of Hall’s story when he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after the DEA arrested him for drug conspiracy. He then cut a deal with the FBI to receive a shorter sentence if he could befriend Hall in prison, and coax him into confessing to his crimes (viaNewsweek).
AlthoughBlack Birdis a fictionalized portrayal of a true story, it gets most details from Keene and Hillel Levin’s autobiographical novel,In with the Devil: A Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemptionright, including Hall’s twin brother helping the FBI with their investigation.Egerton gives a career-defining performance as Keeneand perfectly captures his character’s fear and desperation.
Taron Egerton’s Apple TV+ Show Is the Perfect Binge Watch
Black Bird Only Has One Season With Six Episodes
With six episodes running between 58 to 60 minutes,Black Birdis extremely easy to binge. From its very first episode, Egerton’s psychological thriller draws audiences in with its unpredictable story and great cast.Paul Walter Hauser gives a chilling performance as Larry Hall,and Egerton is exceptional as Keene, making the miniseries fly by.
Each episode ofBlack Birddrew Keene closer to finding out the truth about what happened to the girls and women that Hall had killed, creating a thrilling and intense experience. AlthoughBlack Birddoesn’t necessarily conclude in a way that some people would have hoped,the stellar Apple TV+ seriesmakes for an unforgettable viewing experience.
Black Bird
Cast
Inspired by the true story of convicted serial killer Larry Hall, Black Bird is an Apple TV+ drama series that follows a wealthy young named James Keene Jr., who finds himself imprisoned after being convicted on drugs and weapons charges. Fortunately for James, the FBI offers him an early out - if he can get Larry to sign a confession by befriending him in prison, his sentence will be commuted.
