From 'Love Actually' to 'Black Doves' with Ben Whishaw, Keira Knightley has your Christmas covered

Keira Knightley starred in one of the most popular Christmas films of the 21st century, the 2003 romantic comedy “Love Actually." Her new Netflix series “Black Doves" is also set during the holidays, but in this, she plays a spy alongside Ben Whishaw's assassin. Knightley says the show, debuting Thursday, falls under the “Die Hard” category of Christmas fare.

“It’s like, ‘I’ve spent too much time with my family, I hate them all, I need to watch something blow up,’" Knightley said during a recent interview alongside Whishaw. “If you’re having a nice time, you can watch ‘Love Actually.’ And if you’re feeling quite cross, you can watch ‘Black Doves.' Christmas entertainment is provided. You're welcome!"

Knightley's character Helen is a spy for a secret agency called Black Doves, which has no alliances but is contracted by the highest bidder. When Helen's lover is murdered, an old friend, Sam (played by Whishaw), who calls himself a “trigger man,” is brought in to protect her. He also vows to help Helen get revenge.

“It’s appealing to do something you’ve never done before," said Whishaw. "I felt like the character had this sort of core truth, even though they all are in a quite heightened world where it is possible to be sort of blasted out of a five-story building and not get a scratch.”