Anya Taylor-Joy promoted her new Apple TV+ series, "Lucky," in New York City on Wednesday. The actress, who also co-produced the series alongside Reese Witherspoon, was seen leaving SiriusXM Studios.
"Lucky," which premiered on Apple TV+ on July 15, follows con artist Luciana 'Lucky' Armstrong, portrayed by Taylor-Joy. The plot centers on Armstrong being forced to go on the run after a multimillion-dollar heist goes awry, with pursuit from both the FBI and a crime boss played by Annette Bening.
Reviews for the seven-part series have been divided. Some critics have described it as 'tediously formulaic,' while others have praised Taylor-Joy's performance, calling her 'riveting.'
The Daily Telegraph awarded the series two out of five stars, with critic Ed Power stating the story felt like a mash-up of "Pulp Fiction" and '90s adaptations, and that Taylor-Joy struggled to bring the lead character to life. The publication suggested the character was defined entirely by the men in her life rather than exhibiting strength in the patriarchal world of organized crime.
Writing for RogerEbert.com, Brian Tallerico also gave the series two stars, calling it an example of the "Why Isn’t This a Movie" problem in streaming. He noted that after a promising initial episode, the show seemed to spin its wheels to meet episode counts rather than develop the story at a reasonable pace.
The Guardian offered a three-star review, labeling it 'classic summer viewing' but criticizing its refusal to fully commit to its premise. They highlighted positive elements like the performances of Taylor-Joy and Bening.
In contrast, NME provided a four-star review, describing "Lucky" as 'instantly gripping, filled with twists and lots of fun.' Critic Nick Levine called Taylor-Joy 'riveting' as the protagonist, an opportunist with a conscience, and noted that despite some convoluted moments, the show works.
The Wrap lauded Taylor-Joy's performance as her 'career-best' and the thriller as 'electrifying,' emphasizing her ability to carry the story on her shoulders and portraying the character's desperation, exhilaration, and cunning. The outlet also noted the series' balance of episodic and serialized storytelling, making it suitable for a television format rather than a condensed film.
Variety commented that while George Miller's "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" overwhelmed Taylor-Joy's performance, "Lucky" allows her to explore the character's complexities, reminding viewers to confront their own flaws. The Hollywood Reporter offered a mixed assessment, describing the series as a blend of 'frivolous lark' and 'self-important commentary,' but acknowledged that Taylor-Joy and the ensemble cast worked hard to overcome the underdeveloped material.