Riz Ahmed’s marvelous comedy ‘Bait’ is built around a man in crisis, much like James Bond

by

Riz Ahmed wrote and stars in a fantastic new series called “Bait,” which begins streaming on Prime Video this Wednesday. While the title might suggest otherwise, the show revolves around viral videos and explores the often-deceptive nature of chasing fame.

You know, I’ve been thinking about how much a genre label really matters. A funny movie is funny, right? And this one is funny – genuinely, surprisingly so. It’s a wild mix of comedy and something much deeper, focusing on a guy completely falling apart but desperately trying to pretend everything’s fine, to the point where he almost convinces himself. What’s really interesting is how the show blends reality with these incredible sequences – hallucinations, dreams, memories – they all feel connected, like different sides of the same story. Plus, the way it’s filmed actually changes depending on what’s happening, which is just brilliant.

Ahmad portrays Shah Latif, a British Pakistani actor unexpectedly trying out for the role of James Bond, thanks to the efforts of his dedicated but often exasperated agent, Felicia (Weruche Opia). During auditions, he consistently stumbles over a key line when asked, “Tell me, when it’s just you all alone, how do you live with yourself? Do you even know who you are?” This moment introduces a central idea of the story. The line he struggles to remember is, “I don’t live with myself, I live with whoever you need me to be.” It’s a fitting line, considering the similarities between spies and actors!

After the audition, he deliberately got a paparazzi photographer outside to take his picture, hoping for publicity about a possible role as Bond. The photo made headlines, but also unfortunately sparked racist reactions, eventually leading to a threatening package being thrown through his parents’ front window – a window that couldn’t even be opened. I won’t reveal what was in the package right now, but it will become important later in the story.

Awards

Riz Ahmed and Darius Marder talk about surrendering to the stillness in “Sound of Metal.”

The debate over who will play James Bond next is a constant topic of discussion – a quick online search proves that. Idris Elba was once a strong contender, but the negative reaction he received due to his race led him to withdraw from consideration. Dev Patel, who also hopes to be the next Bond, has said he wants to challenge perceptions of what a British person looks like.

Shah has built a solid acting career – he’s recognizable enough to be turned into a collectible figure, appeared in a critically acclaimed indie film, had a role on ‘Homeland,’ and even won an award at a French film festival. However, he’s not yet a major star like Idris Elba, though he’s certainly not unknown. He often gets mistaken for Dev Patel, but he’s forging his own path.

The second episode opens with Shah appearing to be interviewed on a podcast hosted by Sir Patrick Stewart (who voices the host, but remains unseen). However, it quickly becomes clear that “Sir Chatwick Stewart” is actually a manifestation of Shah’s own inner critic. This voice will continue throughout the series, offering harsh but strangely supportive commentary, like saying, “I only embarrass you to prevent you from being stuck as you are.”

Shah is a familiar comedic figure – someone who constantly sabotages himself. He repeatedly messes up good opportunities, like bombing after impulsively taking the stage at fancy events or in nightclubs (where he used to be a bold performer). Even after a public blunder, his agent tells him to stay out of trouble, but he can’t help getting into more. He simply ignores good advice and acts on every impulse. Unlike many protagonists, Shah’s main enemy isn’t another person – it’s himself. He struggles with gratitude and often fails to apologize to those he’s hurt.

Review

In ‘Relay,’ a secret fixer will help you disappear — but what if you get lonely?

Riz Ahmed, known for his versatile performances in films like ‘Sound of Metal’ and ‘Nightcrawler,’ portrays a unique tech professional – someone who secretly protects people who expose wrongdoing within companies.

Shah’s focus on himself is disrupted when he unexpectedly runs into his ex-girlfriend, Yasmin (Ritu Arya). She’s a writer who recently published an opinion piece criticizing him, arguing he’s traded meaningful work for superficial entertainment. Meanwhile, Shah’s family – including his kind cousin Zulfi (Guz Khan) who runs a Muslim rideshare service, his practical sister Ainy (listed as ‘Q’ on some sites, but called Ainy in the show), loving mother Tahira (Sheeba Chaddha), and doubtful father Parvez (Sajid Hasan) – are feeling neglected. Parvez, who hasn’t been to the doctor, confronts Shah, questioning what he actually does with his life, pointing out he never sees Shah on television.

Fitting for a show about someone who loves the spotlight, “Bait” cleverly uses the style of different movies – think realistic crime dramas, energetic Bollywood numbers, and charming romantic comedies – but with a unique twist. The show opens each scene with bold titles displaying London locations like Wembley and Brick Lane, presented as if they were exotic international cities you’d see in a spy thriller. “Bait” is both a funny critique and a loving tribute; it feels rich and full, offering a realistic portrayal of a culture while also being a visually stunning piece of art.

Bond can wait.

Read More

2026-03-25 21:31