Mint Review: A Sumptuous Gangster Romance with Visual Flair
Charlotte Regan's television debut, Mint, premiered on BBC One and iPlayer, offering a breathtaking blend of romance and crime drama. The series follows Shannon, a 22-year-old woman from a gangster family, as she falls in love at first sight with Arran at a deserted train station, setting off a chain of events that explores trauma, loyalty, and betrayal.
Visual Mastery and Aesthetic Innovation
Regan, known for her film Scrapper, brings an auteur's touch to Mint, creating a patchwork of VHS-style footage, surreal daydreams, and gorgeously odd framing. The show is praised as the most outrageously beautiful television series since Twin Peaks, with a particularly visually stunning masturbation scene in the opening episode that uses industrial sparks and flickering lights to symbolize passion.
Characters and Performances
Emma Laird portrays Shannon with a mix of bolshie swagger and pure-hearted naivety, while Laura Fraser excels as Cat, Shannon's mother trapped in an arranged marriage. Ben Coyle-Larner, also known as musician Loyle Carner, plays Arran, the love interest from a rival clan. Sam Riley rounds out the cast as Dylan, Shannon's bloodthirsty gangster father.
Themes and Narrative Depth
While starting as a gritty Romeo and Juliet story, Mint evolves into a study of trauma and power, avoiding typical gangster thriller tropes like detectives or heists. The series delves into the psychological reality behind gangland glamour, showing how characters are victims of their circumstances, from paternal expectations to warped ideals.
Critique and Cultural Context
Some viewers might find the characters hard to identify with, and the focus on humanising criminals could feel overdone. However, Regan's deliberate trope-dodging makes Mint a unique entry in the genre, with a mesmerisingly tense finale that returns to Shakespearean tragedy roots.
Despite potential gangster fatigue, Mint stands out for its visual artistry and emotional payoff, making it a must-watch for those seeking cinematic television. The series is set in an anonymous Scottish town, adding to its atmospheric appeal.
