'Lucky' review: Anya Taylor-Joy's plucky con artist will keep you guessing until the final sting

Lucky, the new Apple TV+ series starring Anya Taylor-Joy, has left viewers on the edge of their seats. For Lucky, the protagonist, a life of crime is not just about getting away with millions, but also about staying one step ahead of the law. Her recent heist in Las Vegas has left her with a serious double-cross problem. Her husband, Cary, has not only double-crossed her but has also left her to take the fall. The stakes are high, and Lucky must use all her wits to outsmart the FBI and the crime syndicate that is after her.

Lucky's predicament is not just about evading the law; it's also about her complicated past. As a daughter of a small-time conman, Timothy Olyphant, Lucky has grown up with a unique set of skills that serve her well in her current line of work. However, her involvement with Cary and his connections to a bigger crime syndicate has put her in a double bind. She is being hunted by both the FBI, led by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and the syndicate's formidable matriarch, Annette Bening. Lucky's choices are clear: either go down behind bars or risk her life to stay free.

Lucky's story is not new; it's a familiar tale of a con artist trying to outsmart the system. However, Anya Taylor-Joy brings a fresh spin to the role, making Lucky a complex and relatable character. She is a true opportunist with a conscience, or at least some of the time. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly the FBI's Billie Rand and the syndicate's Priscilla, are electric, and Taylor-Joy shines in these moments. The supporting cast, including Drew Starkey as Cary and William Fichtner as the shadowy Whittaker, add depth to the story, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.

While Lucky is a thrilling series, it's not without its flaws. The flashbacks, which reveal Lucky's itinerant upbringing and her dad's conning ways, sometimes feel like a cliché. The machinations of Priscilla's crime syndicate are also sometimes belaboured, which slows down the pace of the show. However, the female characters in the series, particularly Ellis-Taylor's single-minded Billie Rand and Bening's vulnerable yet terrifying Priscilla, are a highlight of the show.

Apple TV+ has high hopes for Lucky, and it's easy to see why. The series has a constant sense of threat, making it a thrilling watch. The writers have done a great job of crafting a story that keeps viewers guessing until the final sting. With its talented cast and engaging storyline, Lucky is a must-watch for fans of the con artist genre.

As the series unfolds, one question remains: will Lucky outsmart the system? Can she use her wits and cunning to evade the law and the crime syndicate?In the end, Lucky's success will depend on her ability to outsmart the system and stay one step ahead of her pursuers. With its talented cast and engaging storyline, this series has all the ingredients of a hit. Will Lucky charm a large audience, or will she fall victim to her own double-cross? The answer lies in the thrill ride that is Lucky.