Black Bird (2022)

The review calls the series an engrossing, tense true-crime drama with a pointed script and strong performances. It especially praises Ray Liotta’s tender, evocative performance in his final on-screen role.

Lucy Mangan calls the series exquisitely pitched and well worth watching despite a slow start. She especially praises Ray Liotta’s heartbreaking performance and the subtle, shifting conversations between Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser.

Baker finds the series gripping and intense despite its slow pace and heavy dialogue. She singles out the performances, especially Paul Walter Hauser’s unsettling work and Ray Liotta’s tender final role.

The review finds the true-crime series tense and confidently made, with its performances elevating the story. It especially praises Paul Walter Hauser’s chilling portrayal and Ray Liotta’s heartbreaking final performance.

Jessop finds the series gripping and classy, despite its stately pace. She especially praises the performances, singling out Ray Liotta’s barnstorming turn and the chilling scenes with Paul Walter Hauser.

Lopez finds the episode less forceful than the first two, though the performances remain compelling. She especially praises Paul Walter Hauser’s quietly eerie portrayal of Larry Hall.

Fienberg finds the series flawed but ultimately worthwhile, with its familiar premise gaining power as it goes. He singles out Paul Walter Hauser’s layered, unsettling performance, alongside strong work from Taron Egerton and Ray Liotta.

The review finds the series solid but overextended, with its dread and predictable turns limiting its impact. It praises Taron Egerton’s vulnerable, charismatic performance as the element that carries the show.

Hadadi finds the miniseries stilted, especially in its pacing and anticlimactic ending, though she considers it worthwhile overall. She praises Ray Liotta’s moving, human performance as Big Jim, which grounds the story.

Cavenaugh praises Black Bird as a distinctive, suspenseful true-crime series, though she notes that some flashbacks feel out of place. She singles out the powerful performances of Taron Egerton, Paul Walter Hauser, and Ray Liotta.

The critic calls the series expertly handled and a must-watch, praising its performances across the cast. They single out Paul Walter Hauser’s chilling portrayal of Larry Hall and Ray Liotta’s moving final TV role.

Terrones finds the series gripping and engrossing, praising its addictive story and strong lead performances. He especially singles out Taron Egerton’s compelling transformation and the intensity of his scenes with Paul Walter Hauser.

Herman finds Black Bird worthwhile, despite its pacing and familiar true-crime tropes. She praises its nuanced exploration of how men shape one another, supported by Paul Walter Hauser’s and Ray Liotta’s performances.