Netflix has a new top thriller, and it’s already sparking conversation. Black Rabbit, which debuted on September 18, quickly climbed to number one in the U.S. Top 10. The miniseries pairs Jason Bateman, fresh off his Emmy win for Ozark, with Jude Law, an iconic actor whose career stretches from The Talented Mr. Ripley to The Young Pope. Together they deliver a story of brothers caught in a spiral of secrets, debts, and obsession. Early reviews highlight its disturbing atmosphere and sharp character work, with many calling it one of the most unsettling Netflix originals of the year.
Here is everything you need to know about Black Rabbit – from the plot and cast to reviews, filming locations, and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
Read also ► Best movies coming out on Netflix in October 2025: full U.S. list
Black Rabbit – all the key details
- Title: Black Rabbit
- Format: Miniseries
- How many episodes: 8
- Genre: Psychological thriller, family drama
- Release date: September 18, 2025
- Creators: Zach Baylin, Kate Susman
- Directors: Jason Bateman, Zach Baylin
- Lead cast: Jason Bateman, Jude Law, Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor
- Produced by: Netflix
What Black Rabbit is about
The two stars portray estranged siblings: one is a rising figure in New York’s restaurant scene, while the other returns with a shady entourage, dragging them into a criminal underworld. The series draws inspiration from real cases of psychological manipulation, grounding its themes of guilt and power in authentic research and documented stories.
The miniseries is as much about atmosphere as plot. It’s a descent into fractured identities and blurred morality, where every decision can trigger fallout. By making New York itself a character, the show blends psychological thriller with family drama, forcing viewers to question whether bonds of blood can withstand corruption and manipulation.
Black Rabbit cast: lead characters
At the center are two powerhouse performances. Jason Bateman, an Emmy Award winner for directing Ozark, plays Vince Friedken, the older brother whose chaotic return sets events in motion. He also directs two episodes, bringing his precise sense of tension to the project. Jude Law stars as Jake, Vince’s younger brother, whose fragile stability collapses under the weight of old loyalties and dangerous choices.
The ensemble adds depth and texture: Cleopatra Coleman as Estelle, a designer caught in business and personal entanglements; Amaka Okafor as Roxie, the ambitious head chef at Black Rabbit; Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Wes, a musician with ties to Estelle; Troy Kotsur as Joe Mancuso, a bookie with leverage over Vince; Chris Coy as his enforcer Babbitt; Odessa Young as Gen, Vince’s estranged daughter; Dagmara Domińczyk as Val, Jake’s ex-wife; Michael Cash as their son Hunter; Abbey Lee as Anna, a bartender whose choices ripple through the story; and Forrest Weber as Junior, Mancuso’s volatile son.
What reviews say about Black Rabbit
Critics have described Black Rabbit as one of Netflix’s most disturbing and compelling recent miniseries. Early reactions praise Bateman’s direction for sustaining tension across multiple episodes, while Law’s performance has been singled out for its charisma and volatility. Viewers on social media compare the show to a hybrid of Ozark and Mindhunter, with the moody crime aesthetic of classic New York films. Some note the series’ pacing can feel heavy, but the payoff is its deep psychological texture.
Who directed Black Rabbit
Jason Bateman took on a dual role as actor and director, echoing his multitasking in Ozark. The show’s title nods to both the name of the brothers’ club and the idea of a descent down a dark psychological rabbit hole.
- Jason Bateman directed episodes 1 and 2.
- Laura Linney directed episodes 3 and 4.
- Ben Semanoff (Ozark, Yellowjackets, The Old Man) directed episodes 5 and 6.
- Justin Kurzel (Macbeth) directed episodes 7 and 8.
Black Rabbit also marks a reunion for Bateman and Linney, who collaborated extensively on Netflix’s Emmy-winning Ozark. Semanoff, who directed multiple episodes of that series, returns here as well. Meanwhile, Kurzel reconnects with Jude Law and Zach Baylin, with whom he previously worked on the true-crime film The Order.
Filming locations
The series was shot entirely in New York City, using Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens as its canvas. Locations like the historic Bridge Café and the streets of Dyker Heights add a gritty authenticity that grounds the story. Production leaned into real New York settings rather than studio sets, enhancing the authenticity. New York isn’t just a backdrop here – it becomes part of the narrative, shaping the atmosphere and characters’ fates.
Why watch Black Rabbit
If you enjoyed Ozark or Mindhunter, Black Rabbit belongs on your list. It combines the suspense of a crime thriller with the intimacy of a family drama, all set against the charged energy of New York City. With Bateman and Law leading, it delivers both star power and sharp storytelling.
Release date on Netflix
Available now. Black Rabbit is streaming exclusively on Netflix, where it has already climbed to number one in the U.S. Top 10. Release date: September 18, 2025. ► WATCH ON NETFLIX
