Why you should watch Grime/Drill crime drama ‘Jungle’

Jungle is a new crime drama that integrates Drill and Grime into the story. The series features rappers like Tinie Tempah and Big Narstie. We look at the first episode in detail while trying to avoid too much in the way of spoilers, read on to find out more.

Episode one starts with a monologue about Tanzania that quickly shifts to the topic of trauma as scenes of violence contrast with the tranquility of Tanzanian scenery.

The main protagonist (Gogo) is seen talking on the phone next to his pregnant partner. Gogo plans to do one last job with Slim which is told through a Drill rap as the two cruise through a neon lit fictional city known as the ‘Jungle.’

This final heist goes tragically wrong leading to tension between Slim and Gogo. By now, we know that Gogo is essentially trapped in a spiral of dangerous crime with no foreseeable way out.

Gogo’s partner, heavily pregnant Jessica is rightfully worried that his life is in danger. A phone call later and we meet the friend on the phone who knows what happened and warns Gogo that his life is indeed in danger and he needs to hide.

Next stop for Gogo is a a visit to a business associate to make a quick sale to fund his getaway. Unfortunately, this turns out to be another mistake that lands the protagonist in even further trouble.

The episode ends with a nail biting cliff hanger, a situation that seems hopeless and can only lead to more tragedy.

Jungle has a great cinematography with colour tones influenced by Anime and classic film noir. The plotlines are engaging and the characters believable and the Grime/Drill musical interludes add depth to the story.

Jungle looks to build on the achievements of Top Boy and judging by the first episode, deserves to be up there with Peaky Blinders and other celebrated crime fiction TV shows.

You can stream the entire first season with a subscription to Amazon Prime