Written by Mariane Tremblay
“Beware of narrative and form. Their power can bring us closer to the truth, but they can also be a weapon with a great power to manipulate.”
Disclaimer* is a psychological thriller miniseries directed and written by Alfonso Cuarón, adapted from Renée Knight’s novel of the same name. The series follows Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett), a renowned documentary journalist, who discovers that she is a central figure in a novel that exposes a long-buried secret. The narrative unfolds through a non-linear structure, alternating between two time periods: twenty years ago, when the event Catherine has tried to suppress occurred, and the present day, when what seems to be a long-hidden secret is revealed, setting in motion a chain of events with profound and far-reaching consequences.
The miniseries premiered in two parts at the Venice Film Festival on August 29 and 30, 2024, and has been available for streaming on Apple TV+ since October 11, 2024.
The series begins with Catherine Ravenscroft receiving the RTS Television Journalism Outstanding Achievement Award for her latest documentary, where she is praised by her peers as “a beacon of truth… a woman who’s an inspiration to us all…” This speech is a pivotal moment in the series, carefully designed not only to introduce Catherine’s character but also to establish the tone for the narrative that unfolds over the seven episodes. The line, “They can manipulate us only because of our own deeply held beliefs and the judgments we make,” offers an early glimpse into the psychological depth and core themes that drive Disclaimer*.
Following the award ceremony, Catherine receives a mysterious envelope containing a book titled The Perfect Stranger, inscribed with a dedication to Jonathan and a chilling disclaimer: “Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not a coincidence”. This moment marks the beginning of Catherine's downward spiral. As she reads the unsettling novel, her growing sense of unease becomes palpable, transitioning into a montage of past events. This sequence reveals to the audience that the book is, in fact, about Catherine herself: “You’ve seen this face before. You had hoped to never see it again. Your mask has fallen.”
Mirroring the structure of the book, the seven episodes of Disclaimer* shift between two time periods, gradually revealing key details of the story. One of the series’ standout qualities is its editing. The non-linear narrative could easily become disorienting, but under the direction of Alfonso Cuarón and editor Adam Gough, it remains cohesive and accessible. Despite the constant transitions between time periods, the story is remarkably easy to follow. Some elements of the novel are omitted in the adaptation, but these omissions do not detract from the story. Instead, they help maintain a steady pace and keep the focus on the central narrative, demonstrating the filmmakers’ keen understanding of the medium and their ability to craft a focused, streamlined experience.
From the very start of the series, Cate Blanchett delivers one of her most exceptional performances, fully capturing the complexity and depth of Catherine Ravenscroft. Taking on this role required a profound understanding of the human psyche, and Blanchett rises to the challenge with a portrayal that is as nuanced and multifaceted as the character she brings to life.
“The challenge and the agony, I think, of playing a character like this is that the crisis happens almost as soon as you meet her, so we know nothing about her, only what people are saying about her. And so, it was tricky not to reveal too much.” (Blanchett, Venice Film Festival, 2024)
Throughout the series, Blanchett skillfully unravels the complexities of Catherine’s character, seamlessly balancing her strength with vulnerability, her hidden secrets with moments of raw revelation. With each episode, she unveils new layers of Catherine’s persona — her insecurities, steadfast beliefs, and unspoken fears. Blanchett’s portrayal masterfully navigates the character’s internal conflicts and contradictions, drawing the audience deeper into Catherine’s world with every revelation. It is this remarkable ability to convey such depth and nuance that makes Blanchett’s performance not only captivating but unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression long after the screen fades to black.
Leila George is a standout in this series, demonstrating undeniable talent and remarkable range throughout the miniseries. Her performance highlights her exceptional abilities, and it’s clear that she is a rising star whose potential should not be overlooked. Beyond George, the rest of the cast delivers outstanding performances, each bringing their characters to life with intensity and depth. The ensemble evokes a wide array of emotions — from sadness and anger to moments of discomfort — constantly keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. These performances collectively elevate the series, making them deserving of recognition across the board.
Visually, the series is a true cinematic achievement. Alfonso Cuarón’s direction ensures that each frame is meticulously composed, with a keen attention to detail and a haunting beauty that draws viewers in. The use of color is particularly striking, serving as a subtle yet powerful tool to reinforce the narrative. The color palette shifts seamlessly to reflect the contrasting time periods and the evolving emotional states of the characters. In the present-day storyline, the hues are colder and more muted, heightening the sense of tension and unease. In contrast, the Italian settings of the fictional world imagined by Nancy Brigstocke are awash in warmer, more vibrant colors, mirroring the characters' shifting emotions and the story's changing moods. This deliberate manipulation of saturation enhances the series’ visual storytelling, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance.
The Italian locations featured in the series are nothing short of breathtaking, offering picturesque landscapes that serve as a captivating backdrop—from the canals of Venice to the historic charm of Pisa and the serene beaches. These stunning settings, combined with the thoughtful use of color, elevate the visual impact of the series, contributing to an unforgettable viewing experience. Given Alfonso Cuarón’s mastery of visual storytelling, it’s no surprise that the series is visually striking; his expertise ensures that every scene is meticulously crafted, creating a world that is as visually immersive as it is emotionally charged.
The soundtrack, composed by Finneas, is another hauntingly beautiful element of the series, evoking the mesmerizing sounds of sirens. Its entrancing, ethereal quality pulls the audience deeper into the narrative, much like a sailor drifting aimlessly at sea. With each note, the music seduces the viewer, drawing them into the illusion of the story, only to deliver a jarring revelation when the truth finally comes to light. This masterful use of sound amplifies the emotional impact of the series, enhancing both its tension and complexity.
Disclaimer* delves into the manipulation of narrative and the influence of deeply held beliefs on an individual’s perception of the truth. The series invites viewers to reflect on their own actions and convictions, leaving a lasting impression that encourages introspection long after the final episode. Every detail, every line of dialogue is significant, requiring careful attention, as it directly impacts the unfolding story. A second viewing of the series is highly recommended, offering new insights that will deepen your understanding and further enrich the experience.
Photo credits : Apple TV+