HBO’s The Penguin has not just met expectations, it has blown them out of the water. This gritty, gripping miniseries dives deep into the criminal underworld of Gotham, delivering a thrilling narrative that surpasses its source material in both depth and complexity.
The Penguin, a spin-off of the film The Batman (2022), is a limited series exploring the rise of the popular villain in Gotham’s criminal underworld. Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin) and Cristin Milioti (How I Met Your Mother) lead the cast, but it’s Farrell’s performance and physical transformation into the Penguin that steal the show.
Storyline of Gangsters
Penguin is a well-known character in the Batman universe, but this is the first time that his story is told in so much detail. As it is depicted, the Penguin (Oswald Cobb) is a hustler. He is a liar, a dealer, and a gambler. For him, nobody is more important than his goal of becoming rich and powerful. As a child, he watched his mother survive in a poor neighborhood. He promised to bring everything she deserves.Â
 It’s not a superhero show at all—it’s more of a mafia crime drama, set in Gotham but focused on Penguin’s ruthless journey from the bottom to the top. He manipulates, lies, kills, and even befriends people, corrupting them along the way, like Victor, a character he becomes a sort of father figure to.
While Farrell is the standout, the entire cast shines, especially Victor and Sofia Falcone. Sofia’s story is intense; after being thrown under the bus by her family and locked up in Arkham, she’s back, seeking revenge and power. The show builds this gritty, dark underworld of Gotham, giving depth to the crime families and the drug trade.
Cast And Performance
Colin Farrell delivers a phenomenal performance as Oswald Cobblepot, adding depth and complexity that elevate him beyond the traditional villain. Rhenzy Feliz also impresses, bringing both charisma and nuance to his role. Cristin Milioti as mafia daughter (Boss ) Sofia is also a stand out in a very strong cast.Â
Mind-Blowing Script
A masterpiece of crime writing, expertly weaving together intricate plotlines with sharp dialogue and moments of dark humour. Each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to see how the power struggle between Oz and Sofia will unfold.
What Makes it Unique
Colin Farrell, reprising his role as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, is utterly mmesmerizing.He embodies the Penguin with a chilling blend of vulnerability and ruthlessness, painting a portrait of a man clawing his way to power in a city steeped in corruption. But it’s Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone who truly steals the show. Milioti delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying a woman of cunning intelligence and icy determination who proves to be more than a match for the Penguin.
The chemistry between Farrell and Milioti is electric, their scenes crackling with tension and intrigue. The portrayal of different mental health conditions, such as PTSD, was extremely well done and captured the aspect of mentally being in a different place and time incredibly well.
For watching currently available on “JioHotstar” [IMDb Rating of 8.6/10]
Written by : Nilesh Shiv