Released in 2004, Layer Cake follows Craig as a successful cocaine dealer, whose name is never revealed, as he attempts to leave the criminal world behind. After years of keeping a low profile and just as he prepares to walk away, he is pulled into a dangerous spiral involving missing millions, rival gangs and double-crossing associates. He is tasked with locating a kidnapped teenage girl and brokering a huge drug deal, leading to double-crosses by war criminals, police, and fellow gangsters.
Over the years, Layer Cake has developed a cult following, with many viewers crediting it as the performance that led to Craig taking on the Bond franchise.
On a Reddit board dedicated to Layer Cake, one viewer said it was “not just the movie that made Daniel Craig into James Bond” but it was a “clever, dark, and funny tale on trying to escape yourself”.
They added: “I can totally see why Bond was his. Seriously one of the most underrated films of the last 20 years.” Another simply added: “It’s a masterpiece.”
Fans praised the film online for its sharp dialogue, fast pacing and dark humour, and for a level of tension that makes the viewer feel involved.
On the film-review website Rotten Tomatoes, where Layer Cake has an impressive score of 84%, one reviewer, said: “One of, if not best, British crime film of all time. An absolute must see.”
A second likened it to an absolute cult classic gangster film, saying if you enjoyed the Godfather, you will “love” Layer Cake.
Not only did it launch Craig’s career, but it paved the way for director Matthew Vaughn to direct hits like Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and the Kingsman series.
The film, which is based on the novel of the same name by J. J. Connolly, is available on Amazon Prime Video.