Netflix’s ‘Black Rabbit’ Explores Family Ties Amid Crime and Chaos

TORONTO, Canada — The new Netflix limited series “Black Rabbit,” created by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, follows two brothers, Jake and Vince, as they navigate a turbulent path filled with crime and moral dilemmas in a contemporary New York City setting. The show premiered on September 7, 2025, during the Toronto International Film Festival.

The series opens dramatically at Jake’s trendy restaurant in Manhattan, where he gives a heartfelt speech to guests celebrating his team’s hard work. He describes the venue, the Black Rabbit, as more than a restaurant—it is a home for family and friends. Just as he finishes his toast, two masked men burst in, demanding valuables and confronting Jake with a gun, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

While Jake aims to create a bustling business, the narrative swiftly shifts back a month to reveal the events leading up to the pivotal robbery. Jake is portrayed as a hardworking entrepreneur who dreams of turning the Black Rabbit into a notable brand. With a potential New York Times review looming, he sacrifices personal connections, even asking his son to help with work messages while driving him to school.

However, trouble brews as Jake faces issues with his staff, particularly the reliable bartender Anna, who starts to skip shifts. Ultimately, Jake dismisses her after suspicions arise. Coincidentally, Vince, who has been living in Reno away from family responsibilities, re-enters Jake’s life just in time to fill the bar position.

Vince’s character is portrayed as unpredictable and troubled, which adds tension to the plot. Jake welcomes him with open arms, but as Vince becomes more involved in the restaurant, the situation escalates towards disaster. The series delves deep into themes of family loyalty, financial pressure, and the moral sacrifices they must make.

The tension escalates throughout the series, with Jake and Vince’s relationship becoming strained as they juggle between personal ambition and the realities of their lives. The show’s creators have incorporated flash-forward techniques, which reveal the inevitable outcome of their story.

Despite the strong casting of Jason Bateman as Jake and Jude Law as Vince, reviewers have mixed feelings about the series’ pacing and depth. Critics noted that while the visuals and direction are compelling, the series often feels repetitive and heavy on despair without significant character development.

The visual style of “Black Rabbit” draws viewers into the dark corners of NYC nightlife, effectively set against the turmoil surrounding the brothers. As the series builds toward its explosive conclusion, it remains to be seen whether the characters can overcome their past mistakes.

All eight episodes of “Black Rabbit” will be available for streaming on Netflix starting September 18, 2025.