Amazon Prime Video has dropped an absolute gem with Riz Ahmed’s new James Bond comedy thriller, Bait, already climbing the top 10 chart.
The six-episode series, with 30-minute episodes, follows struggling British Pakistani Muslim actor Shah Latif (Riz Ahmed), who is seen leaving an audition to play the next James Bond.
When news breaks, the prospective 007 becomes a household name overnight and from there his life quickly spirals out of control as he desperately tries to balance career ambition with his cultural integrity.
The fast-paced, absurd series also stars Guz Khan as Shah’s cousin and straight-talking driver Zulfi, Aasiya Shah as cousin Q, Sheeba Chaddha as his mum Tahira and Sajid Hasan as dad Parvez.
Elsewhere, Himesh Patel plays his acting rival and Ritu Arya stars as a mystery woman from his past.
Nothing exemplifies the bizarre balance of light and dark better than Sir Patrick Stewart voicing a severed pig’s head (you’ll simply have to watch the show to understand why).
After debuting with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has raked in rave reviews across the board from both fans and critics for its sharp humour, thrilling sequences and vibrant representation.
And Oscar-winning Riz’s larger-than-life turn as the chaotic Shah.
‘Might be the best depiction of a Desi immigrant household on TV. Delivering proper emotional gut punches alongside comedy,’ Dr Him declared.
‘So much love for Riz Ahmed – what a star! Such a likeable, culturally rooted individual, but also an actor who is so dependable on-screen,’ SophiaQ shared.
‘Watched all of Bait yesterday, great show. Had me cracking up so many times throughout. Felt like it was basically a Bond movie at times,’ Sam Patel said.
What does Metro think of Bait?
Senior TV Reporter Asyia Iftikhar shares her four-star review…
Riz Ahmed’s Bait has its finger on the pop culture pulse with this ridiculously endearing romp that tackles the hottest question around – who will play the next James Bond?
Packed with quick wit, thrilling sequences and shocking twists, this is a near-perfect show (that skids slightly too far off the rails at points before snatching itself back)
‘Bait is a masterpiece. Riz Ahmed is an absolute genius. No notes,’ misoha wrote.
’15 mins in and Bait is already giving me goosebumps. How good is the music, the humour and of course the style?,’ Aaytreyee praised.
‘Thanking Guz and Riz for making me LOL so loud on the train. Bait on Prime is a MUST WATCH!!! Can season 2 hurry up, and can the eps be longer thank you please!’ Layla Habebti posted.
‘That was absolutely beautiful, rich in culture, honest about mental health, effortlessly funny, and so sharply written. Just pure brilliance from
start to finish. Thank you for giving us Bait,’ thebrosgeekout echoed.
Over in critics’ corner, LA Times said: ‘Bait feels abundant, both in its presentation of a culture, which has the ring of documentary truth, and as a beautifully realised work of art.’
‘Bait is one of the most surreal, important, hilarious, and moving shows I’ve seen for a while, as Ahmed aims to leave audiences shaken and stirred,’ Mashable reflected.
Discussing what inspired his new show, he told The Guardian: ‘I’ve spent my whole life and my whole career, first probably subconsciously, and now quite consciously, trying to defy categorisation.
‘I’ve always had this maximalist sensibility, and I wanted to put it all in. I want to kill categories. I want the things I do to smash through those genres.’
Bait is streaming on Amazon Prime Video now.
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