Hackney-born Idris Elba’s familiarity with Eighties London and underground DJs gives Yardie authenticity and and the message about the consequences of letting grievances fester is powerful
IDRIS ELBA doesn’t appear in his directorial debut. But the Luther actor’s voice comes through with authority and style.
The film tells the story of a Jamaican gangster called D seeking revenge for the murder of his peace-loving brother.
Hackney-born Elba’s familiarity with Eighties London and underground DJs gives Yardie authenticity.
And his message about the consequences of letting grievances fester is clearly one the director holds dear.
The choice of Aml Ameen as the lead is an excellent one too.
Even on occasions when the plot wobbles, the young actor eats up the screen.
Sadly, Ameen’s power and poise are highlighted by the absence of both in co-star Stephen Graham. Graham doesn’t so much chew the scenery as swallow it whole.
While Graham makes his drug dealer Rico as detestable as possible – not a big ask – Ameen brings complicated charm to his anti-hero persona.
Indeed, D’s likeability factor is where Yardie will succeed or fail with audiences.
For me, despite Ameen’s magic, it is hard to fully root for a character making such bad decisions.
And maybe If Elba had stuck his head in front of the camera for a cameo, his hard-core fans would leave feeling a lot more satisfied.
