REVIEW: ‘The English’ — Emily Blunt heads into the wild in Amazon’s new Western

Chaske Spencer and Emily Blunt in ‘The English.’ (Prime Video)
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Updated 18 November 2022
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REVIEW: ‘The English’ — Emily Blunt heads into the wild in Amazon’s new Western

  • Hugo Blick’s six-part series is a tough, but rewarding, watch

LONDON: There’s a stark brutality about the opening of “The English” that mirrors the feral, uncontrollable nature of its setting. Written and directed by the acclaimed British filmmaker Hugo Blick (“The Honorable Woman,” “The Shadow Line”), this glossy, six-part series — showing on OSN+ regionally — is set in the American Wild West of 1890 and tells the  story of Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), who has journeyed to the new territory seeking revenge for the death of her son, and Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee warrior-turned US cavalry scout who simply wants the claim of land he feels he is owed by the government after turning his back on his people.




“The English” is written and directed by the acclaimed British filmmaker Hugo Blick. (Prime Video)

From the get-go, “The English” is violent and unsettlingly dark, but there’s so much more to it than its lavishly polished brutality and slickly choreographed set pieces. Blick has crafted a short, sharp, terrifying story set in a dazzlingly vivid world that is as beautifully drawn as it is hostile.

Blunt and Spencer are excellent, and their partnership of convenience feels lived-in and authentic. They are ably backed up by a committed cast, including Rafe Spall and Tom Hughes, as well as some big-name (albeit brief) appearances from Ciaran Hinds and Toby Jones. Those performances, however, are given a living, breathing canvas to work with, thanks to Blick’s steady hand, eye for stunning cinematography, and ability to weave together tales that carefully combine shocking acts of cruelty, the wide-eyed optimism of frontier folk, and the ever-present dehumanization of the Native Americans who had a system of government simply imposed upon them.

It’s by no means an easy watch, but “The English” is an enthralling one. What’s more, it’s a welcome reminder of what TV can sometimes do that movies, with their shorter run times, simply cannot — delving deep into a fascinating part of history, and filling it with people, places and stories that feel as real as anything set in today’s world.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.