The 2000s film Sexy Beast, is already a niche entry in the crime comedy genre, so if you’re going to make a prequel about it, it better be good. This 2024 series unfortunately is not it. Whereas the film’s performances were explosive and dynamic, the show’s were derivative and cartoonish. Fans of the original will be disappointed, but the experience isn’t better for those unfamiliar with the film. You go in blank and leave just as empty, without knowing anything or caring for anyone new. 

The one thing that saves the show is Gal and DeeDee's (Sarah Greene) relationship; it feels real and possibly the only thing that wasn’t milked out of the source material. It’s DeeDee who squeezes out some humanity from Gal, and it’s from their exchange we learn why Gal is in the business of thievery. More of this, and less of the flashy impersonations that border on parody, would’ve saved the series.