The world of period crime thrillers is getting a new player, and it's one that's eager to make its mark. The Westies, a new thriller series, is set to premiere on MGM+, bringing with it a gritty and intense look at the real-life Irish-American gang that ruled Hell's Kitchen, New York, through brutal torture and murder.
Starring J.K. Simmons as the mob's kingpin, Eamon Sweeney, and Tom Brittney as Jimmy Roarke, a rising member of the Westies, the eight-part series is a departure from the British gang drama Peaky Blinders. While comparisons have been made between the two shows, The Westies boasts a unique take on the world of organized crime, set in the early 1980s and centered around the construction of New York's Javits Center.
The Westies have carved out their place in the city through ruthless violence and sharp strategy, maintaining a fragile peace with the Italian Mafia despite being vastly outnumbered. However, as tensions grow between the gang's ambitious younger members and its old-school leadership, that uneasy truce begins to crack, threatening to pull the Westies into the FBI's expanding investigation into the Italian Mafia.
The series follows a real-life gang through the lens of a fictional protagonist locked in a power struggle with his boss, a familiar formula that has been done before, but with The Westies, it feels fresh and exciting. The show's creators, Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, have crafted a narrative that is both gripping and unpredictable, with relationships that feel rich, complicated, and unpredictable.
J.K. Simmons is at his signature best as the mob's kingpin, Eamon Sweeney, bringing a depth and nuance to the character that is both captivating and terrifying. Tom Brittney, in his first major role since leaving ITV's Grantchester, shines as Jimmy Roarke, a charming and ruthless gangster who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
The Westies is a show that is unafraid to tackle the darker aspects of human nature, but it also has a surprising warmth to it, largely thanks to Jimmy's complex and multifaceted personality. The show's portrayal of relationships feels authentic and relatable, with characters that are both flawed and likable.
With its straightforward and entertaining narrative, The Westies is a show that is sure to capture the attention of fans of period crime thrillers. While it may not be family-friendly viewing, it's a show that is not afraid to push boundaries and take risks. The Westies is available to stream on MGM+ via Amazon Prime Video from July 12.
