‘The Westies’ Review: J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver Lead MGM+’s Handsome but Generic Gangster Drama
The Westies follows the Irish and Italian crime syndicates of 1980s Manhattan as they attempt a ceasefire centred on profiting from construction projects. Though their bosses establish an agreement, rank-and-file members repeatedly violate the truce's boundaries, forcing leadership to maintain discipline whilst federal authorities and a compromised police officer intensify their investigation.
The series demonstrates assured pacing and capable performances from its leads, yet remains confined within familiar crime-drama conventions. Critics acknowledge the show's technical competence and straightforward entertainment value, but note its failure to introduce distinctive storytelling or thematic substance that would distinguish it from numerous similar productions.
- MGM+'s crime drama 'The Westies' depicts two organized crime families in 1980s New York managing a tense truce, with FBI and corrupt police circling
- Critics credit solid performances and competent execution but fault the series for generic storytelling lacking originality or emotional depth