The first 10 minutes of Netflix's latest crime thriller 'Nemesis' are a masterclass in tension and wit. A group of masked robbers storms a fundraising gala, robbing wealthy poker players while their accomplice provides an alibi by pretending to have sex with the crew's leader. Unfortunately, the rest of the series fails to maintain this promising start.
Created by Courtney A. Kemp and Tani Marole, 'Nemesis' follows Coltrane Wilder (Y'lan Noel), a property mogul by day and mastermind behind high-profile thefts by night. Hunting him is Detective Isaiah Stiles (Matthew Law), a brilliant but obnoxious officer with a troubled personal life. The two circle each other, occasionally meeting to gloat, as a world of estranged relatives and tense family drama unfolds.
The plot is riddled with clichés: the misunderstood detective with a tragic backstory, the criminal with a heart of gold who only kills those who deserve it, and twists signposted miles ahead. The acting relies heavily on mysterious stares and dramatic pauses, while the dialogue is clunky. One character warns another, 'You're allowing your hormones and emotions to override your better judgement,' and when told they're playing with fire, a character replies, 'I am Prometheus. I bring the fire.'
Female characters fare poorly, stuck at home while men play with guns. Candace (Gabrielle Dennis) is Stiles' long-suffering wife, while Coltrane's partner Ebony (Cleopatra Coleman) spends much of the runtime looking confused and upset. The show's predictability and weak characterisation make it a chore to watch.
