'The Penguin' on Max: Colin Farrell's standout performance wows

"The Penguin" on Max has outpaced major premieres like the final season of "Succession" and the second season of "The White Lotus." Critics can't stop praising it, either.

These impressive figures are reported by Variety, adding that "The Penguin" was surpassed by another highly anticipated production: "True Detective: Night Country," starring Jodie Foster as an investigator in Alaska. The TV continuation of events from the 2022 film "The Batman" tells the story of a gangster who dreams of reaching the heights of power in a corrupt city.

Oz Cobb wants to take advantage of the death of mobster Carmine Falcone and seize control of the city. He schemes, lies, murders, and curries favor, only to betray in the next moment. The character, masterfully portrayed by Colin Farrell, has little of the appealing dignity and masculinity seen in other on-screen gangsters.

Much has already been written about Farrell's characterization, which will undoubtedly go down in history. Prosthetics, costume, and makeup transform the star into a repulsive creature while still allowing him to deliver a stellar performance. If Colin Farrell doesn't get an Emmy nomination next season, there is no justice in this world. The critics comment that he is as brilliant as the Penguin.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the title has as much as 94% positive reviews from critics. "The Penguin" will have eight episodes, with the finale airing in November. Can viewers already count on a second season? It seems unlikely. First, the production is referred to as a miniseries, which typically indicates no plans for a continuation. Second, Farrell said he would never again wear the repulsive penguin costume.