SummaryJacob (Jaeden Martell), the 14-year-old son of assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans), is accused of murder in this limited series thriller based on the novel of the same name by William Landay.
SummaryJacob (Jaeden Martell), the 14-year-old son of assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans), is accused of murder in this limited series thriller based on the novel of the same name by William Landay.
From the get-go, Defending Jacob grabs and holds your attention, hour after hour, as you try to figure out whether the kid did it, and if the parents are going to make it through the trial without imploding. .... It’s the best Apple original series yet, and proof that like fine wine, some stories just need time to age and breathe a little.
I went to watch the series with the purpose of seeing Chris Evans act in something other than Marvel, and, I say with great pleasure, that I was very surprised. I was surprised by the performance of Chris (and the other actors) and the series itself. I haven't read the book on which the series is based (I intend to read), so what I'm going to say here is just about my view of the series.
We have a family of three here: Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and his son Jacob. Their lives change completely when a boy from school, where the couple's son studies, is murdered; and Jacob becomes the prime suspect.
Chris Evans plays the character Andy Barber, who is a lawyer and father of Jacob. Throughout the series, we see the consequences of Jacob's accusation on his character and his battle to prove that his son is innocent, something that he does not allow to be shaken until the last moment. We were able to feel his concern and his incredulous look at the things that began to surround his son. He is a father who will do anything for him, until he visits his biggest traumas. We were able to feel it all thanks to the beautiful performance of Chris Evans.
Michelle Dockery's character is named Laurie Barber, and she's my favorite. Her plot involves much more psychological drama, physical fatigue and isolation from society. The consequences of any case involving your child move a lot throughout your life. While, in the father's view, we have what happens in the investigation. In the mother's view, we have what happens in social life. We see throughout the series that the character is regressing physically and psychologically. We see in her vision how people treat her, how the media sees her and how her friends and family see her after what happened. It starts to wear out a lot, because of doubt, regret and worry. Michelle Dockery's interpretation is incredible, the various looks she gives in various scenes, says a lot about what she is feeling and thinking. All characters are well developed, well interpreted by their actors; but Laurie stands out a lot more for me.
Jaeden Martell plays Jacob brilliantly. Your character walks between the strange and the normal. He makes us doubt our own thoughts without using too many lines, or expressions. While he appears to be just a normal boy, there are some dubious attitudes that make us question his innocence. A complex and layered character.
Defending Jacob is a series of drama, suspense, full of wonderful performances and that makes us question the following: how far would you go for your family or someone you love?
NOTE: The ending did not please many people, but if we think that the series focuses on the family and their relationships in such situations, the series is perfect.
Evans and Dockery are fantastic. ... But the pacing takes away any urgency that is inherent in the storyline. The shocking reveals are way too drawn out. The result is a murder mystery you can put down.
Chris Evans might not have a shield in Defending Jacob, but the eight-part miniseries -- based on a bestselling novel -- is all about shielding his son. Well cast and twisty, it's an earnest if mostly undistinguished effort, one that relies heavily on the one-time Avenger's star power in serving its mission to bring viewers to Apple TV+.
The story never lingers long enough at home for the family drama to really take hold. ... The result is a story that feels both overstuffed and underdeveloped. Like its namesake, Defending Jacob is brought down just as it’s taking off.
Defending Jacob is not bad so much as the result of what happens when you try to reverse-engineer a bestseller into a conversation-starter, and prestige-TV it to death.
Generally, the talent assembled here feels left out to dry:. ... Up to its final moments, this limited series strains for impact. But it’s unserious about the aspects of its story that are genuinely potentially interesting, and — up through a final twist that’s at least audacious — sillier than one might have any reason to expect.
I really loved the show. It is one of the best crime thrillers I’ve seen for sure. The twists and turns are fantastic. The emotional weight and family aspects in this show are so well done. Chris Evans delivers a powerfully emotional role. One of his best performances so far. Michelle and Jaeden also star in this amazing series. Highly recommended!..
Defending Jacob is a decent courtroom drama. The excellent cast and high production value shine throughout. The weakest area is the story. Some episodes feel 8/10 others 5/10 but there is nothing particular that stands out in the plot that you haven't seen countless times before. Looks great in 4k hdr. Engaging but uninspired material.
ichelle dockery is excellent , her character is believable and her performance is compelling. However, the story stretches out too long and strains to create tension "Meh it passed the time" says it all ...a solid 4/5
Excellent cast and production value, but very lackluster storytelling. I was annoyed after 2 episodes, so I read the story on wikipedia, and based on that I’m glad I stopped watching. The ending is also very different from the book, and way less impactful. Should have been a movie instead of a series