Idris Elba's knife crime documentary hailed as 'powerful' viewing

The actor said knife crime was a 'heartbreaking problem'

Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis,29-01-2025,Idris Elba,22 Summers,22 Summers
Idris Elba in Our Knife Crime Crisis. (22 Summers/BBC)

TV viewers have said Idris Elba’s documentary on knife crime was a "hard watch" but "compelling" viewing.

The Wire star spent the last year filming BBC programme Our Knife Crime Crisis. He met young offenders in a prison and individuals working on various schemes trying to tackle knife crime, as well as people who had lost loved ones.

Fans said it was “powerful” viewing after it aired on Wednesday, 29 January, with many praising Elba for raising awareness.

At the start of the documentary, Elba — who has been outspoken about knife crime — told viewers it was a "heartbreaking problem".

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"The more people I can get talking about this, the more likely change will happen," he said. "Banging the pot and making noise works.

"Someone has got to take advantage of a soapbox."

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Idris Elba said knife crime was a 'heartbreaking' problem. (22 Summers/BBC)

Elba went on to meet with offenders, looking at what had set them on the path to commit crimes, and spoke to people affected by knife violence. He also met with police and youth workers involved with schemes aimed at intervention from an early age.

At one point the actor joined Keir Starmer for a summit on knife crime, which was held pre-election, and admitted afterwards that he felt like a bit of "a prop".

He explained: "Out of everyone on that table, I stand out as to… ‘Why are you here Idris?’ You know. ‘You make films, why are you here?’"

"I am an amplification device," he said.

Many viewers posted messages on social media thanking Elba for using his platform to shine a light on the issue.

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"What a powerful, insightful, and needed documentary," one said on X. Another remarked: "I have massive respect for Idris Elba. He seems like someone who genuinely cares about making a difference."

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Viewers praised the star for raising awareness. (22 Summers/BBC)

"Great that Idris Elba is raising awareness on this serious issue," said someone else. "So many of our young people are dying needlessly because of knife crime. We need urgent action to stop this issue now." One called it an "absolutely compelling documentary".

Another person wrote: "Worth watching Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis on BBC1. It’s encouraging to see someone in the public eye trying to raise awareness and understanding of what is happening on our streets."

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Somebody else posted a message on Instagram saying that the documentary was "so good and informative", as another said it was "in turns depressing and hopeful".

"Thank you for raising this important awareness," commented another viewer, as one posted: "Thanks for being an active speaker!! Too many lives gone."

Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis is available on BBC iPlayer.