'Elegant and dynamic': Critics praise Rian Johnson's Peacock mystery series 'Poker Face'

Reviews suggest Rian Johnson, who is basking in the success of 'Glass Onion', has continued his golden streak with 'Poker Face'
PUBLISHED JAN 26, 2023
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie in 'Poker Face' (Peacock)
Natasha Lyonne as Charlie in 'Poker Face' (Peacock)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a world of vape pens, Natasha Lyonne strikes us as the final pack of smokes. She plays Charlie Cale, a casino waitress who imbibes before and drinks on the job, in Peacock's stylish new series 'Poker Face'. It's endearing because it's Lyonne: ashy voice, molten hair, and general appearance of a young person who aspires to be a crazy old coot.

Early reviews for Rian Johnson's latest series are ecstatically positive. Johnson is best known for directing movies like 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery', 'Knives Out', and 'Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi'.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Poker Face' Premiere Review: Rian Johnson delivers an all-around hit with whip-smart storytelling

Where is 'Poker Face' filmed?

Reviews already describe 'Poker Face' as one of the best Peacock originals to date and highlight Natasha Lyonne's performance as the lead. Additionally, the show has been called clever, fast, and extremely addictive. Let's see a few examples of what the critics have said in their reviews of the eagerly anticipated movie.

'They are a dynamic duo'

Ferdosa, from Screenrant, believes that the show is a winner and "will undoubtedly be a hit with fans of Johnson and Lyonne." The review adds that "they are a dynamic duo, and they genuinely understand what it is to have fun with a tried and true genre. Even more impressive is the ability to create fascinating worlds with interesting characters." Variety, on the other hand, called the show one of the strongest series yet to launch on Peacock. It said, "This elegant set of mystery stories allows an established star the time and space to crack a new sort of case, that of how to evolve a familiar persona and bring fans along for the ride." Rolling Stone called the story of 'Poker Face' and its execution "rare." "Here's a detective with no home, no gun, no phone, no supporting cast, a past to escape, and a doomed future. Hell of a hand, I'm all in," Entertainment Weekly noted. 

The overwhelmingly favorable reviews for 'Poker Face' prove Johnson's status as the new mystery guru. Although there were worries that 'Poker Face' might be a remake of 'Knives Out', early reviews suggest the show is not overly similar to Johnson's films.

'Poker Face' is now streaming exclusively on Peacock.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair', comprises of four episodes and will release April 10
9 hours ago
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman’ is running out of episodes, and the race to the Season 2 finale promises explosive consequences.
15 hours ago
Over 110,000 fans have signed a petition demanding Netflix and the Duffer brothers release deleted scenes from ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5, Volume 2
18 hours ago
With ‘Heated Rivalry’ Season 2 greenlit, questions swirl around François Arnaud’s Scott Hunter and his place in the show’s future
19 hours ago
In the last few minutes of the finale episode, Callahan is seen taunting Mike, insisting that killing him won't ease his guilt and warning
19 hours ago
As per tradition, Netflix is kicking off the New Year with a new Harlan Coben mystery thriller
19 hours ago
With Vecna and Eleven's connection revealed, fans fear the worst, yet the creators promise a finale built on meaning, not massacre
20 hours ago
As ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Season 4 ends, strong ratings and global popularity could decide whether Jeremy Renner's crime drama earns a season 5
21 hours ago
As it stands, the creators, Duffer Brothers, have denied a return
2 days ago
One Piece' Chapter 1170 is slated to return on January 4, 2026
2 days ago