Jake Gyllenhaal makes his TV debut in “Presumed Innocent,” but unfortunately, it’s hard to care about his performance.: Presumed Innocent review
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The new miniseries “Presumed Innocent” based on Scott Turow’s bestselling legal whodunnit is a remake that may not be necessary, but it still delivers a compelling story. David E Kelley’s touch is evident in this glossy world of affluent Americans, where a hotshot prosecutor finds himself accused of a colleague’s murder. The central mystery surrounded by domestic and professional conflicts keeps viewers engaged through the eight-hour-long episodes. While the performances are good, the overall slick soullessness of Kelley’s productions may leave viewers wanting more depth. “Presumed Innocent” on Apple TV+ offers a familiar yet engaging tale of intrigue and betrayal in the legal world.

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Presumed Innocent Review: A Fresh Take on a Classic Legal Thriller

When news broke of a new miniseries adaptation of Scott Turow’s bestselling legal thriller, Presumed Innocent, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. Wasn’t there a film version of this story just recently? As it turns out, it’s been 34 years since the original movie hit the screens, leaving a whole new generation unfamiliar with the twists and turns of this gripping whodunnit.

Despite my initial skepticism about the need for yet another remake in the world of legal thrillers, I found myself drawn into the world of Presumed Innocent once again. This time around, David E Kelley takes the reins, bringing his signature touch to the story of hotshot prosecutor Rusty Sabich (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), who finds himself accused of a colleague’s murder.

Kelley’s expertise in crafting compelling narratives around complex characters shines through in this adaptation, as he weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the glossy world of high-flying lawyers. The central mystery of the murder is just the beginning, as personal and professional conflicts come to the fore, adding layers of complexity to the story.

One of the standout performances in the series comes from Ruth Negga, who portrays Rusty’s wife, Barbara, with depth and emotion. Unlike in the original film, Barbara is given more screen time and a stronger voice, allowing viewers to see the impact of Rusty’s actions on their marriage and family dynamics. The addition of a potential love interest for Barbara adds another dimension to her character, making her more than just a supporting player in Rusty’s story.

As the investigation unfolds and suspicions mount, Rusty must navigate the treacherous waters of the legal system while trying to prove his innocence and salvage his shattered reputation. The tension between Rusty and his rival prosecutor, Tommy Molto (played by Peter Sarsgaard), adds an extra layer of drama to the story, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the truth slowly comes to light.

While the performances in Presumed Innocent are top-notch and the plot twists are expertly executed, there is a certain slick soullessness that permeates the series, a hallmark of Kelley’s productions. Despite the compelling narrative and strong character development, there is a sense that something is missing, a depth of emotion or meaning that fails to fully engage the viewer.

In the end, Presumed Innocent is a solid adaptation of a classic legal thriller, with strong performances and a gripping storyline that will keep viewers hooked until the final episode. While it may not break new ground in the world of television dramas, it serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of a well-crafted mystery and the timeless themes of justice, betrayal, and redemption.

As Jake Gyllenhaal’s first foray into television, Presumed Innocent showcases his talent as a versatile actor capable of commanding the screen in any medium. While the series may not leave a lasting impact, it serves as a stepping stone for Gyllenhaal to explore new opportunities and seek out more challenging roles in the future.

In a landscape filled with remakes and reboots, Presumed Innocent stands out as a solid addition to the genre, offering a fresh take on a classic story that will keep audiences entertained and guessing until the very end. So, if you’re in the mood for a gripping legal drama with a stellar cast and a few unexpected twists, give Presumed Innocent a watch on Apple TV+ today.