Alfonso Cuarón’s work indeed carries a unique ability to captivate his audience and challenge their perspectives. Children of Men is a prime example of his masterful storytelling, where dystopian themes and human resilience intertwine so effectively. His ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction in Disclaimer is a testament to his storytelling prowess.
 
Cate Blanchett’s performances never disappoint, and seeing her tackle a complex role like Catherine Ravenscroft is a treat. With Cuarón’s visionary direction and Blanchett’s acting prowess, the series undoubtedly offers excitement and depth. Cate Blanchett’s talent certainly shines through in her portrayal of Catherine, capturing the character’s depth and turmoil. Stephen’s threats add intense tension that propels the narrative forward. While this role may not be the most challenging for Blanchett, her ability to bring authenticity and nuance to even the more straightforward characters make her performances compelling.
 
It’s interesting to see how an actor like Blanchett can elevate a series, making each scene resonate more deeply with the audience. Her ability to maintain the audience’s sympathy, even as her character spirals out of control, is a testament to her acting prowess. It’s no small feat to balance a character’s flaws with their humanity, making Catherine’s desperation both compelling and relatable.
 
The combination of investigative journalism and the mysterious arrival of a provocative book is a compelling premise. It’s always fascinating when stories delve into how personal experiences can influence one’s understanding of reality.
 
Following Renée Knight’s 2015 novel is a smart move by Cuarón, preserving its tone while bringing it to life on screen. The decision to write and direct all seven episodes himself likely ensures a cohesive vision throughout the series. A slower pace can be quite effective in thrillers, allowing for a deeper exploration of characters and themes.
 
This storytelling technique adds layers of intrigue and keeps the audience engaged. By revealing details gradually and using a non-linear timeline, Cuarón ensures that viewers are constantly piecing together the narrative, much like solving a puzzle. The initial lack of clarity can be a powerful tool to heighten suspense and deepen the impact of each revelation.
 
While travelling towards Europe, we see a young couple engaging in sexual activity, but we have no idea who they are. It piques curiosity and sets the stage for future revelations.
 
Kevin Kline as Stephen Brigstocke is a perfect fit for a character with such a delightfully fussy name. The discovery of a book authored by his late wife adds an intriguing layer to the story. With an altered version of the standard fiction disclaimer reading: “Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not a coincidence,” he gives Catherine the self-published book in which she is acknowledged.
 
That’s a clever twist on the usual disclaimer, hinting at a deeper connection between the characters and the story. It adds a layer of mystery and suggests that the book’s contents might be more personal and revealing than Catherine initially realizes. The self-published book becomes a central element in the plot and is a fascinating device, bringing unexpected revelations and tensions.  It’s always intriguing when stories play with the boundary between fiction and reality, making viewers question what’s real and what’s imagined.
 
The plot certainly thickens with Stephen’s actions, driven by a desire for revenge. His blaming of Catherine for a past catastrophe and the inflammatory photographs adds a deeply personal and intense layer to the conflict between them. This element of the story likely keeps viewers on edge, wondering about the past events that led to such extreme measures and how Catherine will navigate this escalating situation.
 
Kevin Kline’s portrayal of Stephen sounds incredibly nuanced and layered. The detail of him wearing his late wife’s faded pink cardigan adds a poignant touch to his character, highlighting his grief and the facade he presents. The contrast between his appearance as a sad old man and the revelation of his true, more sinister intentions with a sneaky smile demonstrates Kline’s range and ability to keep the audience guessing.
 
Stephen’s transformation into a more disturbing figure likely adds a significant tension and intrigue to the narrative. Kline’s ability to embody such a complex character is certainly one of the strengths of the series, making his performance memorable and impactful.
 
Kodi Smit-McPhee has an incredible ability to bring depth and emotion to his roles, and it sounds like his portrayal of Catherine’s son is no exception. Capturing the essence of a wretched, aimless character and making it resonate with the audience is no easy task. His moving performance adds yet another layer of complexity to the series, highlighting the ripple effects of the main conflict on those around Catherine.
 
It’s fascinating to see Sacha Baron Cohen take on a serious role, showcasing his range as an actor. His portrayal of Robert, Catherine’s husband, likely adds another layer of depth to the series. Cohen’s versatility is always impressive, and it’s great to see him in a role that allows his serious side to shine.
 
The use of Stephen’s voiceover to convey his thoughts adds an intimate and engaging element to the series. It not only provides insight into his character but also creates a direct connection with the audience, drawing them further into his story. This narrative technique can be very effective in deepening viewers’ understanding and investment in the plot.
 
The use of an inanimate voice to address Catherine as “you” certainly adds an unsettling and intimate layer to the narrative. Indira Varma’s portrayal of this voice must bring a unique and fresh perspective to the series, heightening the psychological tension. This technique likely makes viewers feel directly involved in Catherine’s turmoil, amplifying the intensity of her experiences.
 
It’s fascinating how Disclaimer employs various narrative techniques to create a deeply engaging and multifaceted story. The interplay between different storylines and perspectives keeps the audience constantly intrigued and invested.
 
Unreliable narrators can add a fascinating layer to storytelling, making us question the authenticity of what’s being presented. The subjectivity of recollections mirrors real life, where personal biases and perspectives often colour our memories and interpretations of events. This technique can create a sense of intrigue and complexity, encouraging viewers or readers to piece together the truth from fragmented and potentially misleading narratives.
 
It’s puzzling that some of Disclaimer‘s characters take so long to figure it out. As Cuarón leads us through this interminably intriguing maze of choices, though, it hardly matters. 
 
Sometimes, the slower realization of characters can add to the suspense and complexity of the story, making the eventual revelations more impactful. Cuarón’s ability to guide the audience through a maze of choices, keeping them intrigued despite the characters’ delayed understanding, speaks to his skill as a storyteller.
 
Disclaimer stands out as a rich and captivating experience. Cuarón’s direction ensures that the narrative is both complex and engaging. The series showcases powerful performances that bring depth and authenticity to the characters and delves into the psychological struggles of its characters, particularly Catherine’s anguish and Stephen’s sinister transformation. 

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes, Disclaimer is now available for streaming on Apple TV.

-Dirk Lombard Fourie