Fans say this is not the usual true crime drama and features an outstanding performance from one of the best actors

An ‘unhinged’ gangster film featuring an almost unidentifiable Tom Hardy is set to depart Netflix imminently.

The clock is ticking for subscribers of the streaming platform to view the period drama which draws inspiration from the actual life of one of history’s most infamous criminals.

The Dark Knight and Peaky Blinders actor Hardy assumes the commanding role of Al Capone during the concluding year of his existence.

The picture, Capone, initially premiered in 2020 on digital services. Its planned cinema release was scrapped owing to the Covid pandemic that was ongoing at that time, resulting in numerous viewers potentially overlooking the title when it first emerged.

Nevertheless, Netflix has now confirmed that the final opportunity to watch the film will be 24 February.

Tom Hardy’s performance is worth seeing alone (Image: Vertical)
According to the synopsis, the picture follows the figure who was formerly a merciless entrepreneur and illegal liquor trader who dominated Chicago with unwavering authority. Alfonse Capone was the most notorious and dreaded gangster in American folklore, reports the Mirror.

At 47 years of age, after almost ten years behind bars, Capone receives a dementia diagnosis and his past becomes entangled with the present.

Disturbing recollections of his violent and savage beginnings blur into his conscious life. Whilst he spends his final year accompanied by relatives with the FBI waiting nearby, this deteriorating patriarch battles to recall the whereabouts of millions of pounds he concealed on his estate.

The film was both written and directed by Josh Trank, who previously created the superpowered independent success Chronicle in 2012 and helmed the earlier Fantastic Four reboot attempt in 2015 before Marvel assumed control of the characters.

Tom Hardy is near unrecognisable in the film (Image: Vertical)

Whilst critical reception proved somewhat divided, certain elements of the production are reportedly worthy of attention, particularly whilst it remains accessible on Netflix. Empire’s reviewer observed: “It’s unhinged, and lacks subtleties and depths, but also has an imagination and out-there-ness that is rarely found in franchises. In detailing the last year of the gangster’s life.”

Numerous viewers suggest Hardy’s portrayal alone justifies viewing the picture. One admirer commented: “Whilst a sad and dramatic biopic about Capone’s last days, Tom Hardy solidifies himself as one of the great character actors of our time. For great performances and a fairly deep psychological biopic, this is a film to watch. Hardy’s performance as Al Capone is worth it alone. It’s not a typical violent mob movie but more so a look into the struggles of Capone and his family as his neuro-syphilis catches up to him.”

Another viewer remarked: “The depiction of Al Capone in this movie was breathtaking. Some people found it hard to follow, others found it quite boring, however these are the same folks that were expecting to see a mobster movie.”

They added: “This movie is not a mobster movie at all, it is a wonderful film showing the last year of life for a troubled and very sick mobster. When you see the name you may expect to see a La Casa nostra massacre, however what you see is the deterioration of one’s mind when diagnosed with neurosyphilis.

“This movie is a masterpiece balance between the life of a mobster and the thought of righteousness through an opinionated last days of wishful do-over helplessness. Understanding the delicate nature of a terminal illness, paired with the ego of a confined mafia crime boss, this film will deliver you a new insight to mafia rags to riches back to to rags. Although it steps in to the mind of a mentally ill crime boss without authentication. It also gives perspective of what may have been their hopeful last thoughts.”

Capone is streaming on Netflix until February 24.