TV Review: ‘Furious’ | Moviefone

Emmy Rossum stars in ‘Furious’. Photo: Hulu.

Arriving on Hulu July 27th with the first three episodes (and five more to follow weekly), ‘Furious’ seems certain to end up on a raft of “best of the year” TV series lists. This effective, chilling and disturbing take on the serial killer story, loosely inspired by 1987 movie ‘Black Widow,’ is a supremely effective use of the genre.

“There’s a thin line between hunter and prey.”

Air Date: July 27th, 2026

Led by Emmy Rossum (‘Shameless’), the cast also includes Lola Petticrew (‘Say Nothing’), Scoot McNairy (‘Halt and Catch Fire’), Quincy Tyler Bernstine (‘The Tender Bar’) and Jake Lacy (‘The White Lotus’).

Initial Thoughts

Lola Petticrew stars in ‘Furious’. Photo: Hulu.

Coming from ‘Dying for Sex’ and ‘The Dropout’ creator Elizabeth Meriwether, ‘Furious’ takes a well-trodden path (dedicated yet troubled law enforcement officer hunts cunning killer) and gives it even more of an upgrade than the film on which it is loosely based.

Meriwether has crafted a story of pain, trauma, vengeance and, yes, fury that never belittles any character and tells the story in complex yet understandable fashion.

Script and Direction

(L to R) Emmy Rossum and Scoot McNairy star in ‘Furious’. Photo: Hulu.

The writing team here has pulled off a minor miracle –– every character down to smaller roles feels vital and alive, angry in some way or troubled, and it makes for truly compelling television.

‘Furious’ story weaves through logically, but with some fresh twists, yet it’s the people who really make this work well.

On the directing front, the likes of ‘Game of Thrones’ veteran Brian Kirk (who defines the show’s style through the first two episodes and serves as an executive producer), bring the show to vivid life, letting the narrative work without being over-stylized.

Cast and Performances

(L to R) Emmy Rossum and Quincy Tyler Bernstine star in ‘Furious’. Photo: Hulu.

This is possibly Emmy Rossum’s best role, even more satisfying than her long-running role as ‘Shameless’ Fiona Gallagher. Here, she’s brittle, haunted and very much the antihero as FBI Agent Alice Black –– you root for her, but you can also see how private trauma has made her hard to be around.

Scoot McNairy brings a soulful side of Danny, her former NYPD colleague who still carries a torch for Alice. Jake Lacy, meanwhile, does stalwart work as Marshall, another cop, and Alice’s problematic ex.

A true revelation who deserves to see this catapult her career to new heights is Quincy Tyler Bernstine, who grabs hold of the role of Nora Washington, a world-weary veteran of the FBI sex crimes division, and never lets go. She’s by turns funny and caustic but always impressive and there are at least three scenes that could serve as Emmy submissions. Then there’s Lola Petticrew as the suspect in this investigation, a calculating, smart but incredibly damaged young woman with a mission.

Yet that’s just the tip of the iceberg –– the cast works on every level, including the recognizable likes of Hope Davis, Campbell Scott and Rob Delaney.

Final Thoughts

Lola Petticrew stars in ‘Furious’. Photo: Hulu.

‘Furious’ is that rare outlier in a crowded field that proves if you really put some thought and heart into a concept, it can rise above. It’s not always easy to watch, but it’s urgent and more than worth your time.

‘Furious’ receives 90 out of 100.

‘Furious’ premieres on Hulu on Disney+ July 27th.

What is the plot of ‘Furious’?

‘Furious’ follows FBI agent Alice Black (Emmy Rossum) on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer (Lola Petticrew). Both walk their own paths toward justice, and as their lives start to intertwine, the line between right and wrong begins to blur.