Keira Knightley is known for her role in the beloved holiday film “Love Actually,” released in 2003. Now, she stars in a new Netflix series titled “Black Doves,” which also takes place during the festive season. In this series, she portrays a spy, teaming up with Ben Whishaw, who plays an assassin. Knightley describes the show as falling into the “Die Hard” style of Christmas entertainment.
In a recent discussion with Whishaw, Knightley expressed that the series serves as a kind of release for those who might be overwhelmed by family gatherings during the holidays. “It’s like, ‘I’ve spent too much time with my family, I hate them all, I need to watch something blow up,’” she said. She added that for those enjoying a festive mood, “Love Actually” is a great choice, while “Black Doves” appeals to those feeling a bit irritable. “Christmas entertainment is provided. You’re welcome!” she quipped.
Knightley’s character, Helen, works for a covert organization known as Black Doves, which operates outside traditional alliances and takes contracts from the highest bidders. Following the murder of her partner, Helen calls on her old friend Sam, portrayed by Whishaw, who refers to himself as a “trigger man.” He steps in to offer her protection and a promise of vengeance.
Whishaw remarked on the thrill of portraying a character unlike any he has played before. He noted that despite the exaggerated nature of the story, his character retains a sense of genuine emotional depth. “I felt like the character had this sort of core truth, even though they all are in a quite heightened world where it is possible to be sort of blasted out of a five-story building and not get a scratch,” he commented.
Knightley also found elements of her character relatable, as she believes everyone has various dimensions to their identity, which they adapt depending on their surroundings. “I have two kids. My identity as a mother is very significant, but I also contain multiple contradictory identities within myself that exist simultaneously,” she stated.
The friendship between Sam and Helen stands out in the narrative as they represent two peculiar individuals who can reveal their true selves to one another, unlike anyone else in their lives. “They can’t be themselves with anybody else in the world, but they can be their whole selves with each other,” Knightley emphasized.
The dynamics within the show are distinct from those typically seen in spy series, with Sarah Lancashire playing a stoic female spy director and female actors leading criminal organizations, portraying a more inclusive narrative. Whishaw’s character is also a skilled assassin who identifies as gay, which adds further complexity.
Joe Barton, the creator of the show, spoke about the significance of his unconventional casting decisions, stating, “It’s always more interesting doing things which are less expected.”
Taking on this role also allowed Whishaw the chance to engage in stunts and intense action sequences, which he initially found daunting. “I hadn’t done that sort of stuff before. And I guess if I’m honest, I am very slightly built and I feel like (action) is the territory or the terrain of like, big blokes. I had to really get over something in myself but I’m pleased I did,” he shared, reflecting on his adaptation to the challenges of the role.