Netflix has officially dropped the first trailer for its highly anticipated biopic about legendary frontman Ray Davies—and fans of The Kinks are already buzzing. But the biggest headline of the day? The role of the sharp-tongued, introspective songwriter will be played by none other than Academy Award nominee Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Alvarez, Waterloo Sunset aims to go far beyond the typical rock band chronicle. The film promises an intimate dive into Ray and Dave Davies’ turbulent sibling relationship, the cultural chaos of ’60s Britain, and the creative fire that birthed some of the most iconic and distinctively British songs in rock history.
“Ray Davies wasn’t just writing hits—he was writing about identity, disillusionment, and everything between the cracks of post-war England,” Taylor-Johnson said in a statement. “To step into his shoes is an honor and a challenge. He’s lyrical, stubborn, deeply emotional—and completely original.”
The trailer gives a moody glimpse into the world of The Kinks—backstage fights, psychedelic nights, studio sessions charged with tension and brilliance. A haunting orchestral rendition of “Days” plays as Taylor-Johnson, in Ray’s signature blazer and mop-top, stares out a rain-soaked window, guitar in hand. Scenes flash between London rooftops, swinging Carnaby Street, and chaotic U.S. tours that eventually led to the band’s infamous ban from performing in America.
Fans quickly took to social media, praising the casting of Taylor-Johnson as inspired. “He’s got that quiet intensity. Ray was never a typical frontman—he was a poet with a power chord,” one user tweeted. Others compared early footage to Julian Temple’s The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society doc, noting this new film’s more personal, character-driven tone.
Netflix has yet to reveal the full cast, but insiders say the film will feature portrayals of key figures including guitarist Dave Davies, original bassist Pete Quaife, and even nods to contemporaries like The Beatles and The Who—capturing the era’s vibrant, competitive music scene.
Director Alvarez said the project was deeply personal: “This isn’t just a story about a band—it’s about brothers, about legacy, about being torn between creating something timeless and surviving fame. The Davies brothers are unlike any other pair in rock history. And this film doesn’t shy away from the pain and genius they shared.”
Taylor-Johnson reportedly sings several of the songs himself in the film, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “Celluloid Heroes.” Early scenes show him workshopping lyrics for “Waterloo Sunset” in a cramped London flat, capturing the quiet melancholy that defined so much of Ray’s writing.
Set to release globally this fall, Waterloo Sunset is already being tipped as a major awards contender. With its fusion of British grit, emotional complexity, and nostalgic energy, the film may very well reintroduce The Kinks to a new generation—not just as rock legends, but as storytellers who dared to look beyond the stage and into the soul of a shifting nation.
Whether you’ve followed The Kinks since the ’60s or you’re just discovering their catalog, this is one film you won’t want to miss. As Taylor-Johnson said, “Ray didn’t just sing about the world—he shaped how we saw it.”
