"Disclaimer" Review

"DISCLAIMER" is a psychological thriller miniseries created by Alfonso Cuarón starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Sacha Baron Cohen. It centers on documentarian Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett), who receives a novel that seems to be about a secret she desperately wishes to hide from her family. We also meet Stephen Brigstocke, a teacher who seems connected to Catherine's past and wants to destroy her life. Parallel to these events are glimpses into the past as more is shown about Jonathan Brigstocke, Stephen's son, and his fateful holiday in Italy. The fallout of Stephen's actions drive the story as we find out more about what happened so long ago.

The story is engrossing in the best way, constantly propulsive and inviting viewers to keep watching as the mystery is gradually unraveled and its impact on Catherine's life snowballs into devastating consequences for her and her family. In addition to the intriguing plot, the inner thoughts of Catherine and Stephen are explored through liberal use of narration. The copious amount of narration should have been grating in some way, but here it is used masterfully to add depth to the central conflict between Catherine and Stephen.

The performances are also impeccable. Cate Blanchett is undeniably talented as embodies Catherine fully, making her a well-rounded character who nevertheless hides a big secret which makes audiences doubt her every action as well as her motivations. At the same time, despite Stephen escalating more and more in his vendetta, stemming from his clear deep-seated resentment of Catherine, he seems to have a good reason to pursue his revenge which allows him to be kept sympathetic.

With "Disclaimer" Alfonso Cuarón has created a very intense and engrossing psychological thriller miniseries centered around guilt and revenge, featuring pitch-perfect performances from Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, and a surprisingly dramatic role from Sacha Baron Cohen. Definitely a recommendation from me!