Binge-worthy: Alfonso Cuaron’s Disclaimer is a gripping psychological thriller
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(From left) Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nicolas Ravenscroft, Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, and Sacha Baron Cohen as Robert Ravenscroft in the miniseries Disclaimer.
PHOTO: APPLE TV+
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Disclaimer
Premieres on Oct 11 on Apple TV +
★★★★☆
Among streamers, Apple TV+ strikes a middle ground, balancing quality and commercial appeal, sitting between the prestige-driven HBO and volume-focused Netflix.
With Disclaimer, it once again aims to blend accessible drama with intellectual depth – a formula also seen in its hits such as Pachinko (2022 to present) and Severance (2022 to present).
Alfonso Cuaron is perfectly suited to direct the series, which marks the Mexican film-maker’s first major directing project since winning the Best Director Oscar for Roma (2018).
Acclaimed documentary-maker Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett) receives parcels that threaten to expose her indiscretions.
As a journalist known for revealing the dark deeds of others, she now finds herself desperate to conceal her past – pulling her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen) and son Nicholas (Kodi Smit-McPhee) into the fallout.
At the heart of her troubles is a mysterious elderly couple, Stephen (Kevin Kline) and Nancy (Lesley Manville).
Here are three reasons to watch the seven-episode psychological thriller adapted from Renee Knight’s 2015 novel.
1. Alfonso Cuaron’s information-rich images
Disclaimer is Mexican film-maker Alfonso Cuaron first major directing project since winning the Best Director Oscar for his 2018 film Roma.
PHOTO: REUTERS
In the first three episodes, the story moves between two time segments – the present day and a period Catherine spent in Italy some years ago.
In present-day rainy London and sunny Italy, the cinematography by frequent Cuaron collaborator Emmanuel Lubezki is invitingly detailed and atmospheric. Also handling photography duties is Bruno Delbonnel, known for his work with film-makers Tim Burton and Wes Anderson.
The contrast between Stephen and Nancy’s modest, lived-in home and the Ravenscrofts’ stylish yet sterile residence reflects their respective values and class distinctions.
2. Class and privilege under scrutiny
The Ravenscrofts exemplify the wealthy liberal elite whose progressive facades crumble under pressure, revealing self-serving instincts, in a mode reminiscent of the public figures who preach morality but falter behind closed doors.
Within London’s cosy media clique, Catherine is a role model, but her private life shows that privilege has insulated her from the consequences of her actions. Yet, she is completely relatable and worthy of sympathy – as is Stephen.
The skilfully rendered drama pulls and pushes the viewer into one person’s corner, and in the next scene, into the corner of his or her opponent.
3. Top-notch performances – except for one
Kevin Kline plays Stephen in the psychological thriller Disclaimer.
PHOTO: APPLE TV+
Everyone brings his or her A-game to this show. Blanchett shines as the steely, secretive journalist, while American actor Kline – despite a shaky English accent – delivers a strong performance and Manville’s one is heartrending.
Then there is Baron Cohen. The man who played inept Kazakh reporter Borat in the 2006 and 2020 mockumentary films is a weird casting choice.
Known for comedic roles, the British actor struggles to convincingly portray the emotionally devastated upper-class husband.
One hopes he redeems himself in later episodes.
