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The brilliant David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies) makes a powerful return with his latest creation, Presumed Innocent, on Apple TV+ starting June 12. This miniseries gives Jake Gyllenhaal his first major role on the small screen in this gripping legal thriller that blurs all lines. Our verdict: a series well worth watching !
Guilty or Innocent ? That is the question
Following Alan J. Pakula's film, it is now a series that adapts the eponymous bestseller by Scott Turow. In Presumed Innocent, Jake Gyllenhaal plays Rusty Sabich, a highly esteemed prosecutor in Chicago whose life turns into a nightmare when his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus, is found dead, bound, and disfigured. As he is assigned to the case, the star prosecutor quickly finds himself accused of this brutal murder. The reason? They were having an affair. This sets off a race against time for Rusty, who does everything to prove his innocence, while two other zealous prosecutors do their utmost to bring him down at his trial.
Did this admirable family man commit this heinous murder ? This is the question that plagues viewers throughout the 8 episodes of the miniseries, manipulated by the characters and numerous unpredictable twists that keep us on the edge of our seats. It is impossible to truly know who is guilty until the final episode. The suspense persists until the end...
A successful modern adaptation
Following Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones) in this new adaptation ? Nothing complicated for Jake Gyllenhaal, who portrays a more desperate Rusty Sabich than in the 90s film. We manage to despise Jake Gyllenhaal (not an easy feat) as he becomes a man both narcissistic and angry, but also full of charisma. He remains an enigma that unfolds over the episodes.
But what makes the series brilliantly stand out from the film is its representation of women who play a significant role in the plot. Both the film and the book were criticized for their sexism, but David E. Kelley breaks away from these problematic aspects to modernize with a darker version. The talented Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World) obsesses both Jake Gyllenhaal and the viewers in her role as a cruel and ambitious prosecutor. Alongside her : a magnetic Ruth Negga (Loving), who plays the wife of the accused, finding the strength to support her unfaithful husband, and Elizabeth Marvel (Homeland), moving in the role of the confidante. Thoughtful women, all shaken by Rusty's chaotic choices. So, innocent or guilty ? Find out on July 24 in the final episode.
Available on Apple TV+ from June 12 (2 episodes) and then one episode per week.
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