'Presumed Innocent' Review: Jake Gyllenhaal is endlessly watchable in mystery that left everyone stunned
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Apple TV+'s courtroom thriller, 'Presumed Innocent', is a profound example of the phrase 'Don't judge a book by its cover,' as when it was first announced, it was met with skepticism owing to the show being a remake of the hugely successful 1990s film of the same name.
Nonetheless, the series succeeds in bringing to life a captivating story full of suspense, intriguing characters, and surprising turns.
The show's central plot revolves around the murder of Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve), with Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), a famous Chicago prosecutor, serving as the lead suspect.
As the plot continues, the series moves beyond the whodunit formula, building a complicated narrative that keeps viewers guessing until the conclusion.
David E. Kelley injects new intrigue into a familiar story in 'Presumed Innocent'
David E. Kelley, a writer with a bevy of acclaimed works under his belt, successfully recreated his magic in the show, which works wonders by taking a familiar plot and injecting it with new interest.
He dives further into the characters' motives, addressing topics such as loyalty, treachery, and the destructive power of ambition.
Furthermore, if you've seen the film, you'll note that the series differs from it in a number of ways as it introduces new characters that add a new layer of intrigue to the storyline.
The judicial drama is well-paced, alternating between courtroom showdowns and intimate character moments that reveal the investigation's emotional impact.
Additionally, the dialogues are sharp, and the pace keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end.
However, like others, I believed that the first few episodes were unnecessarily dragged since they ended on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next episode, but the following episode failed to deliver on the enthusiasm.
The stellar cast adds depth and intrigue to 'Presumed Innocent'
In my opinion, the cast of the show is its greatest asset, since every character plays a crucial role in the narrative.
Unlike other shows where you simply provide a bunch of talented actors and props, every character in this one has something unique to contribute, which gives the storyline a fresh level of intrigue.
Jake Gyllenhaal, as Rusty, excels, perfectly capturing the character's pain and desperation while shunning the simple route of villain or victim and instead revealing the unraveling of a man confronted with unbelievable charges.
Ruth Negga plays Barbara Sabich, Rusty's wife, who seems to be supportive yet conflicted. Her flawless façade starts to show signs of weakness as the probe progresses, making viewers wonder what her actual allegiances are.
As Rusty's friend and mentor, Bill Camp is as stellar as Raymond Horgan. His calm focus, which reflects his unwavering support for Rusty, keeps the pressure up.
Peter Sarsgaard is menacing, as Rusty's aspirational adversary, Tommy Molto, whose intentions are still unclear.
Even if O-T Fagbenle's accent was a butt of a joke online, I thought it was appropriate and added an edge to his character. He's successfully provided brilliance to Nico Della Guardia, the new district attorney, who seeks to maintain objectivity in the face of media hysteria.
Overall, 'Presumed Innocent' is a noteworthy addition to Apple TV+'s repertoire, with a riveting blend of outstanding acting, nuanced storytelling, technological quality, and superb suspense.
The show's ability to keep viewers wondering about the killer's actual identity while creating complex, multidimensional characters makes it a must-see for aficionados of courtroom dramas and thrillers.
'Presumed Innocent' trailer