© Sky Originals
Sky’s new crime thriller Atomic arrives with big energy, a knowing wink, and a pedigree that’s hard to ignore, adapted from the cult novel Atomic Bazaar by William Langewiesche, it promised a sharp blend of action and caper comedy.
What we get instead is something uneven but undeniably entertaining: part crime saga, part farce, never quite believable but rarely boring.
The story, lifted from the novel’s pulpy roots, zips along with double-crosses, elaborate heists, and a colourful cast of crooks and cops. The action sequences are slickly staged, explosions, shootouts, car chases, all delivered with Sky’s increasingly cinematic ambition.
What really sells the show, though, is the comedy threaded through the chaos: the dialogue is snappy, the predicaments absurd, and while the tone wobbles between serious thriller and outright spoof, it keeps you watching.
The cast gives it backbone. The lead performances from Alfie ‘Reek’ Allen and Shazad Latif as JJ (that’s not his name) anchor the madness with a mix of grit and charm. Their buddy-buddy relationship makes the ride worth taking, elevating material that could otherwise collapse under its own silliness.
Supporting roles lean into caricature at times, a sweary, gruff Scotsman and pencil pushing stiff necks etc, but it fits the heightened, almost comic-book feel of the series. There’s also real jeopardy at play and cultural aspects that are handled evenly, though one shock death early on is hard to take.
© Skz Originals
Ultimately, Atomic is fun but daft, a glossy, fast-talking 5 episode caper that entertains in the moment without leaving much behind.
Still, the ending leaves the door open for sequels, and given the energy on display and the strength of its lead actors, a second outing might refine the formula into something more satisfying.
For now, it’s a breezy diversion rather than essential viewing.
© Skz Originals
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