Netflix Christmas spy thriller Black Doves shows off Keira Knightley as a butt-kicking secret agent and it’s already been renewed for season 2

Keira Knightley as a pregnant Helen shooting a gun in Black Doves.
Black Doves is a Christmas spy thriller coming to Netflix. (Image credit: Stefania Rosini/Netflix)

There's no doubt that Keira Knightley is the queen of period dramas, but this time she's swapping regency pomp for gun-toting revenge in the Netflix trailer for new spy thriller Black Doves, which puts the red in white Christmas.

It's certainly going to be a violent night as Knightley and Ben Whishaw (Paddington) play an unlikely spy duo who bring bullets, bloodshed and British wit this holiday season. Black Doves has already been renewed for a second season ahead of its release on December 5, so it has promise to become one of the best Netflix shows.

Knightley is unlike anything we've seen before as she plays a fearless spy hellbent on revenge after her secret lover is murdered. In the gripping trailer (see below), there's some seriously killer (literally) action scenes as Knightley stabs bad guys and jumps out of a burning building. The teaser also showcases Knightley and Whishaw's hilarious comedic chemistry, as well as Sarah Lancashire's (Happy Valley) mysterious character Reed.

What is Black Doves about?

Black Doves | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Black Doves | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
Watch On

Set against the backdrop of London at Christmas, Black Doves is a high-octane and heartfelt story about friendship and sacrifice.

The official Netflix plot synopsis reads: "Black Doves follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a quick-witted, down-to-earth, dedicated wife and mother – and professional spy. For 10 years, she’s been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the shadowy organization she works for: the Black Doves. When her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is assassinated, her spymaster, the enigmatic Reed (Sarah Lancashire), calls in Helen’s old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to keep her safe. Together they uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy linking the murky London underworld to a looming geopolitical crisis."

Black Doves isn't the only Christmas thriller arriving on the best streaming service as Carry-On is set to bring some Die Hard action this festive season. The potential best Netflix movie follows young TSA agent Ethan (Taron Egerton) who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) to let a dangerous package slip through security and onto a busy Christmas Eve flight. It's definitely time to add some ass-kicking mystery to your tinsel and turkey.

You might also like

Grace Morris
Entertainment Writer

After graduating with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, Grace dived into the world of entertainment where she started writing all about the must-watch shows and movies at What To Watch. Now Grace is on her next writing adventure at TechRadar, where she uses her expertise to help readers keep up to date on the biggest TV shows and movies in the ever-changing world of streaming. If she’s not writing about her passion for entertainment, you’ll find her watching reality shows while feasting on chocolate. 

Read more
Helen Webb smiles at something off camera as she waves goodbye to Sam standing behind her in Black Doves.
Netflix’s #2 most-watched show Black Doves is the spy thriller I didn't know I needed – here are 3 more with over 92% on Rotten Tomatoes
Sam and Helen sitting in a car looking shocked at something off camera. Helen's face is covered in blood.
I was excited by Netflix’s Black Doves renewal, but Ben Whishaw’s disappointing season 2 update means we likely won't see it this year
Peter looks to the side with the city skyline behind him in The Night Agent season 2
The Night Agent reclaims Netflix’s #1 spot with season 2 – here are 3 of my favorite thrillers with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes that are just as good
Jason Bateman as Traveler walking down a plane aisle in Carry-On.
Can’t wait to stream Carry-On on Netflix? Here are 3 more action movies with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
Taron Egerton's Ethan puts in an earpiece in Netflix's Carry-On movie
Netflix reveals the most-watched movies and shows of the end of last year, and there are 4 I recommend you catch up on
Nicole Kidman as Nancy Vandergroot in Holland
Nicole Kidman's new Prime Video thriller, Holland, looks quirky and unsettling in its first trailer
Latest in Netflix
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
A still from Blade Runner
3 new movies on Netflix in March 2025 with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
An image from Welcome to the Family showing to women screaming
Netflix's trailer for a new comedy show that looks like Knives Out meets Weekend at Bernie's – Welcome to the Family seems like chaotic fun
Emily Blunt in Sicario
3 thriller movies coming to Netflix with over 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
A still from Netflix's new miniseries Adolescence starring Stephen Graham
Everything new on Netflix in March 2025 – stream the miniseries Adolescence and new Original movies
Taron Egerton's Ethan puts in an earpiece in Netflix's Carry-On movie
Netflix reveals the most-watched movies and shows of the end of last year, and there are 4 I recommend you catch up on
Latest in News
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
YouTube TV
YouTube TV might be planning a big Netflix update that puts the best streaming services first
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Saint Laurent Rive Droite Edition
Bang & Olufsen's latest reworked turntable is a masterpiece of retro revival, in a breathtaking wooden presentation box
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection
iPad Air M3
Apple makes one hardware change to the iPad Air that might be the best indicator of its true lightweight tablet intentions