The curtains have drawn on 'Strung', the latest suspense thriller from Malcolm D. Lee, but critics are still buzzing about its bold, albeit flawed, attempt to weave together disparate cinematic styles. With a pedigree that boasts hits like 'Girls Trip' and 'Barbershop', Lee's vision for this Peacock original is as ambitious as it is intriguing – but will it strike all the right notes?
Chloe Bailey stars as Laila, a talented classical violinist chasing her dream to join a prestigious city philharmonic. When she lands a lucrative private tutoring gig with the enigmatic Audra (Lynn Whitfield), she thinks she's got the inside track – but soon finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies that threaten to derail everything.
As Laila delves deeper into this treacherous world, she meets the icy Imani (Anna Diop) and her withdrawn pupil Zuri (Romy Woods), whose backstory is shrouded in mystery. But what begins as a 'killer kid' trope quickly twists into a tale of trauma and tragedy – and just when you think you've got a handle on things, Marcus (Lucien Laviscount) re-enters the scene, throwing everything off kilter.
Critics are calling out the film's meandering plotlines for diluting the central tension. The screenplay repeatedly emphasizes instinct, but it feels like the filmmakers are trying to cram too many storylines into a two-hour runtime – leaving some feeling like they're watching a limited series condensed into a feature. Even so, there's a clear opening for a sequel – and one that might just hook audiences.
Where 'Strung' really shines is in its visual grandeur. The art department has outdone themselves with the opulent settings, while cinematographer Greg Gardiner's use of colour is nothing short of breathtaking. And let's not forget the eclectic soundtrack – a perfect blend of classical, jazz, and hip-hop that elevates every scene it touches. Coco Jones' turn as Jasmine, the witty best friend, is a standout highlight.
For UK fans, 'Strung' is now streaming on Peacock – accessible via Sky and NOW platforms. With a cast featuring Lucien Laviscount from 'Emily in Paris', there's plenty to pique your interest. Will it win any BAFTAs or Brit Awards? Probably not – but as a guilty pleasure, it's definitely worth tuning into.