Daniel Craig’s Classic Thriller Finds New Streaming Platform

A classic gangster thriller featuring Daniel Craig has found a new streaming platform in the UK. The film, titled Layer Cake, was released in 2004 and directed by Matthew Vaughn. It is now available to watch on Prime Video.

Overview of Layer Cake

Layer Cake is based on J.J. Connell’s novel of the same name, published in 2000. The plot unfolds in London’s criminal underworld, portraying the life of a cocaine distributor who detests violence. Craig’s character manages his operations like a legit business while contemplating retirement.

Main Characters and Plot Points

• Daniel Craig as an unnamed cocaine distributor
• Kenneth Cranham as Jimmy Price, Craig’s boss
• Nathalie Lunghi as Charlie, a drug-addicted daughter of an associate
• Jamie Foreman as the Duke, a low-level criminal
• Sienna Miller as Tammy
• Ben Whishaw as Sidney
• Tom Hardy as Clarkie

As he prepares to leave the criminal world, Craig is tasked by Jimmy with two urgent missions. First, he must locate Charlie, and second, he needs to handle a significant ecstasy purchase from the Duke.

Critical Reception

Layer Cake has received considerable acclaim, achieving an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 141 reviews. The Washington Post referred to it as a “classic gangster saga,” noting its stylish portrayal of criminal empires clashing. Additionally, the London Evening Standard praised the cast’s performance and Vaughn’s directorial finesse, stating it brought a “uniformly excellent” touch to the storytelling.

In-Depth Reviews

• The Washington Post described the film as featuring “the clashing of rival empires.”
• According to Variety, the film effectively illustrates a caste-like system, showcasing intersecting lives of the wealthy and the criminal.

Availability and Future Projects

With its recent addition to Prime Video in the UK, Layer Cake reaffirms its status as a significant classic in the gangster genre. Daniel Craig remains in the spotlight as he currently stars in Wake Up Dead Man, the latest installment of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series.