“Crooks” is a German crime thriller series that premiered on Netflix on April 4, 2024. The show follows Charly, a reformed safecracker whose past catches up with him, forcing him back into the criminal underworld to protect his family.
Plot Overview
Charly, portrayed by Frederick Lau, has left his life of crime behind and is living peacefully in Berlin with his wife, Samira (Svenja Jung), and her son, Jonas (Jonathan Tittel). However, when he’s coerced into participating in a heist targeting a valuable coin, things go awry, entangling him with dangerous crime lords across Europe. Teaming up with Joseph (Christoph Krutzler), the illegitimate son of a Viennese kingpin, Charly embarks on a perilous journey across countries to save his family.
Characters
Frederick Lau as Charly: A former safecracker drawn back into crime.
Christoph Krutzler as Joseph: A driver with a complex family background.
Svenja Jung as Samira: Charly’s supportive wife.
Jonathan Tittel as Jonas: Samira’s son, whom Charly cares for deeply.
Virginie Peignien as Griselda Delacroix: The formidable head of the Corsican Mafia.
Throughout the series, Charly teams up with Joseph, a getaway driver with ties to a Viennese crime family. Their partnership evolves as they navigate threats from various criminal factions, including the Corsican Mafia led by Griselda. The climax occurs in Marseille, where Charly devises a plan to rescue his kidnapped wife, Samira, and her son, Jonas. The season concludes with Charly and Joseph successfully freeing Charly’s family, while Charly forms an unexpected alliance with Hassan, a member of a rival gang, to escape Griselda’s clutches.
Technical Review and Key Elements
Family and Loyalty: Charly’s primary motivation is the safety of his loved ones, driving him to confront his past and make difficult choices.
Crime and Redemption: The series delves into whether one can truly escape their past and the lengths one will go to for redemption.
Betrayal and Trust: Alliances are tested as characters navigate a world filled with deceit and shifting loyalties.
“Crooks” has received generally positive reviews, with an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised its character development and suspenseful narrative, though some note its predictability.
Film Reception
The series has been noted for its engaging character dynamics and suspenseful plot, though some critics have pointed out its reliance on familiar crime drama tropes. As of June 25, 2024, Netflix renewed “Crooks” for a second season, indicating a continuation of Charly’s story.
The Ending Explained
In the finale, Charly is forced into a deadly confrontation orchestrated by Griselda, the head of the Corsican Mafia. She pits him against Hassan, who seeks revenge for his brother’s death. However, Charly convinces Hassan that their real enemy is Griselda. The two form an unexpected alliance and escape by leaping into the ocean. The series concludes with Charly reunited with his family in Berlin, while Joseph and Nina pursue their own quest for vengeance, setting the stage for potential future storylines.
