Riz Ahmed is a name that may sound familiar to you. The British actor started off as a hip hop star before making waves in film and TV. In the last year, he has appeared in Star Wars: Rogue One, Jason Bourne, TV’s Girls as well as The Night Of. Now he makes his way back home for a gritty gangster flick. Also starring Billie Piper, City of Tiny Lights is film noir set in the modern day London and it’s seedy underbelly. Visually striking with strong performances, the film suffers from narrative and character dips yet is still an engaging and entertaining story.
City of Tiny Lights is based on the book of the same name by Patrick Neate, who also adapted the screenplay and is directed by Pete Travis who has previously directed ITV’s Cold Feet and the 2012 Dredd remake. The film revolves around Tommy (Ahmed) who’s a ‘snook’; a private detective for hire to anyone who has a problem. When an escort appears at his office, asking him to locate her flatmate, who went missing after seeing a client, it seems like a cut and dry case. Yet murder, corruption, terrorism and deception all begin to unravel as Tommy follows the case. Tommy also reconnects with Shelley (Piper) a face from his past and slowly reveals what drove the once close pair apart long ago.
The film is a clear homage to classic film noir. The premise of a young, attractive women hiring a detective to locate a missing Femme Fatal is very familiar. Tommy’s voice over and his off the grid methods all aid in the classic anti-hero leading man. Yet the crime aspect of the film is more modern and involves terrorism and property swindling. The film keeps audiences guessing and builds tension as Tommy gets deeper into the case. Things escalate quickly and it’s clear there is more at stake than just a missing girl.
Shelley and Tommy’s connection and past play out in flashbacks between the main narrative. Despite building tension and intrigue the younger actors lack the chemistry and charisma of their older counterparts. This subplot, although the background is of its key players, takes away from the narrative. It also feels too predictable a set up.
Parts of the story and the characters can feel shaky at times. The case becomes over convoluted with too many avenues. At times, Tommy himself makes decision’s which feel out of place for a street smart detective. Yet still pace remains and the charisma and charm of the films lead drives the film onwards.
The noir genre has not just influenced the story here but also the visual style. The classic black and white images are replaced with a neon lit night London. Cigarette smoke and alcohol fills every scene and like all good classic mysteries as the visuals become fast paced and erratic towards the film’s final act.
Here in the leading role Riz Ahmed displays why he is fast becoming such hot property. Able to carry much of the film solo he can go from smooth talking, to tough to emotional in the blink of an eye. His charisma is fully used in Tommy making him great to watch. Although only a small role Billie Piper continues to display her acting credentials. Her short screen time is mainly with Ahmed’s Tommy and their chemistry jumps from the screen.
A gritty, beautifully shot London Noir. Some character and narrative holes let this down but an engaging premise and great cast make it a good watch.