by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
After watching the first trailer for Disclaimer, I knew I was in for something special, but I had no idea how deep this story would delve. It throws us a twist that completely catches us off guard.
This seven-episode series centers around renowned journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett), who unexpectedly finds herself woven into a novel that unveils a secret she’s spent over 20 years trying to bury. The narrative follows the quest for revenge from Stephen Brigstocke (Kevin Kline), the father of a young man whose life was tragically impacted by her actions. The episodes alternate between the past, illustrating the events of two decades ago and the present, exploring the aftermath and consequences of those choices.
Throughout the series, we see Catherine’s husband, Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen), who goes above and beyond to cater to her every need. Their son, Nicholas (Jodi Smit-McPhee), struggles with substance abuse, creating a strained dynamic, as neither Catherine nor Robert truly connects with him. The family appears to have it all, yet they lack the emotional bonds that genuinely matter.
Then there’s Nancy (Lesley Manville), Stephen’s guilt-ridden wife, who penned a scathing novel that exposes Catherine and their late son, Jonathan (Louis Patridge), whose trip to Italy set everything into motion, ultimately unraveling Catherine’s world from within.
At first, I was concerned that the nonlinear storyline, that all the shifts between past and present, would leave me feeling lost. However, as each episode unfolded, I found it surprisingly easy to follow. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, only to realize halfway through that you’ve got it all wrong, and you must start over completely.
The true highlight of the series is the finale. In this gripping conclusion, viewers finally uncover the mystery surrounding Catherine and the events two decades ago. As the episode unfolds, it’s difficult to discern who to trust and who is genuinely responsible for what happened 20 years ago; the twist will leave you reeling.
Blanchett portrays Catherine, a devoted mother and wife grappling with her illustrious career while trying to hold her life together. Watching her gradually unravel as everything slips away was harrowing, and witnessing the full spectrum of her emotions unfold was nothing short of extraordinary.
Kline plays Stephen, a former professor who has lost everything. Now, with an unexpected opportunity landing in his lap, he meticulously sets the stage to watch everything around him come crashing down. The intricate web of manipulation, deceit, and cunning strategies he weaves seems almost effortless for the actor, who brings a captivating intensity to this character’s dark journey. As the plot thickens, viewers are drawn into a world where ambition and moral ambiguity collide, making for a gripping narrative.
Director and writer Alfonso Cuarón masterfully delivers a compelling narrative about a person in denial who refuses to confront the truth they secretly know.
I really hope that Apple TV+ steps up its game in promoting its shows. This series nearly slipped under the radar, especially given the incredible cast we were treated to. I’d love to see Kline and Blanchett recognized with nominations as award season approaches, which is just around the corner. If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn psychological thriller series, I highly recommend checking out Disclaimer.
Rating: Loved It
Disclaimer is currently streaming on Apple TV+
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