It’s time to check into The Continental and our review of the series finds it to be a perfect addition to the John Wick universe. When it comes to gritty actioners, John Wick helped defined the genre. As such, fans are expecting a series like The Continental to deliver the same. From a recent preview screening, we can safely say its par for course.
First and foremost, The Continental is mostly Winston’s story and it showcases how the Manager originally played by Ian McShane came to assume the position.
Set decades before the film series, the three part series explores the origin behind the iconic hotel-for-assassins centrepiece of the John Wick universe through the eyes and actions of a young Winston Scott, as he’s dragged into the Hell-scape of 1970’s New York City to face a past he thought he’d left behind. Winston charts a deadly course through the hotel’s mysterious underworld in a harrowing attempt to seize the hotel where he will eventually take his throne.
Three Nights Of Action
The series opens in the 70s, 1975 to be exact, and it immediately introduces us to brothers Winston (Colin Woodell ) and Frankie Scott (Ben Robson). Frankie is the sibling that sets things in motion, stealing something of valuable from Cormac (Mel Gibson), the Manager during this time period.
To retaliate, the crime boss despatches a group of henchman to drag Winston from London to find Frankie. Using his street-smart skills and underworld contacts, Winston reunites with his brother but together they have to fend off an army of assassins. What transpires next sets the Scott brothers on a path of no return, one that may have dire consequences for both their lives.
Although only viewing the first episode (the series drops on Prime Video tonight), The Continental has undoubtedly piqued our interest. The world building for the series is impressive, especially as it paints a picture of a past that fans of John Wick series have not been privy of.
That said there are elements of the film series that resonate throughout the series. There are quite a few tongue-in-cheek throwbacks to the films and we also see some familiar characters such as Charon (Ayomide Adegun).
Like the films, The Continental is assuredly stylish and is not short on action. It’s also got a great accompanying soundtrack. The casting is also great, especially in Woodell who channels Winston impeccably, right down to his mannerisms.
For a first stab at expanding the John Wick universe, the series has done a fine job. But don’t let this review of The Continental sway you, find out for yourself when all three episodes (each roughly 90 minutes long) unravels Winston’s journey into this iconic hotel, long before a character named John Wick ever walked past its doors.
(Images: Prime Video)
