The film does have its moments, both narratively and occasionally with how it portrays some scenes, but there just isn’t enough flare to its story or how its gritty themes are presented.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 14, 2024

Tonally uneven, too slow at some points and too speedy at others; it makes for an okay, if rather forgettable watch.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 28, 2020

[Idris] Elba isn't afraid to keep it real when it comes to visualising D's slow descent to darkness, transitioning from colourful Kingston to run-down, gritty London.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 11, 2019

Fairly routine... I wish the ethnic aspects of this film had come to the fore more and that they had played down the druggie stuff that we had already seen a million times.

| Sep 24, 2019

I may not be rushing to watch Yardie again but I will be tuning to this soundtrack again and again.

| Sep 17, 2019

Although the story won't stick with you, Yardie is inspired visually, and worth watching for Elba's vivid direction.

| Jun 18, 2019

It makes for great viewing and absolutely worth the time spent on it. This feature film debut for Idris goes to show that he indeed has some promise...

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jun 10, 2019

This flawed, yet enjoyable genre flick might make for an uninspiring crime drama, but as an opportunity to explore how central sound system culture was to West Indian communities throughout the UK, it's unbeatable.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 24, 2019

It feels uncertain whether it wants commit to being a crime-comedy or a sensitive family drama about loss and identity.

| May 21, 2019

The story is a crowd-pleaser, even if it is predictable, and will leave audiences with a nice little taste of Jamaican culture.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 18, 2019

The pace editor Justine Wrights sets keeps the action clipping along, with some striking cross cutting. And yet, over all, Yardie feels for all the world like a familiar ride to nowhere new.

| Apr 3, 2019

The result is a film with promise but one that doesn't live up to its cult film potential.

| Original Score: B- | Apr 1, 2019

A skillful and promising debut from Elba, who knows how to make his world feel alive and make his characters feel unique.

| Original Score: 7.6/10 | Mar 30, 2019

Like directorial talent, on-screen charisma is not a thing you can teach. You either have it, or you do not.

| Original Score: 1.5/5 | Mar 25, 2019

Ultimately the movie aspires to tragedy, but the flimsy story doesn't support that kind of dramatic weight.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 21, 2019

A gritty tale of survival slightly marred by a tendency to telegraph its punches.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 21, 2019

While Yardie won't garner Elba the auspicious notice of a Gone Baby Gone or A Star Is Born, the multi-talented performer certainly acquits himself.

| Original Score: B- | Mar 18, 2019

The music and cultural elements are striking. Idris Elba vividly depicts ghetto life in the two countries. The faults lie in persistent narration, an uneven script, and a clumsy third act.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Mar 16, 2019

Solid acting and an appealing reggae soundtrack can't overcome an uneven screenplay burdened by gangster clichés.

| Mar 16, 2019

The acting is decent, the cinematography is well executed, and the music is on point, but the delivery and the tone are completely mismatched.

| Mar 15, 2019