Alfonso Cuarón has a unique ability to use the ocean as a powerful metaphor in his films, from “Children of Men” to “Gravity” and “Roma.” The acclaimed Mexican director, often collaborating with Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, employs turbulent waters to symbolize themes like rebirth and safety. His new Apple TV+ series, “Disclaimer,” which he wrote and directed entirely, fits within this thematic mold. The series follows diverging narratives about a young man’s drowning on an Italian beach, ensuring that water plays a significant role.
However, Cuarón’s approach to “Disclaimer” is less aligned with some of its core elements. Adapted from Renée Knight’s 2015 novel, the series presents itself primarily as a dialogue-heavy drama focusing on grief and self-deception, which isn’t Cuarón’s usual style favoring grand spectacle. “Disclaimer” struggles with its new episodic format, holding onto narrative devices that may work on the page but falter on screen, leading to a confusing start and a climactic twist that loses its punch after the lengthy build-up.
Cate Blanchett, after her acclaimed role as Phyllis Schlafly in “Mrs. America,” stars in “Disclaimer” as Catherine Ravenscroft, a celebrated documentarian who finds herself confronting a past incident. The series focuses on her reputation and personal struggle when a novel called “The Perfect Stranger” arrives at her doorstep, hinting at dark secrets behind her seemingly perfect life.
The narrative centers on Stephen Brigstocke, played by Kevin Kline, who seeks revenge following personal tragedies, including the death of his son, Jonathan, while blaming Catherine. The show juxtaposes Stephen’s relentless pursuit of Catherine with flashbacks revealing his motivations.
The visual aesthetic, crafted by Lubezki and co-director Bruno Delbonnel, bathes scenes in a golden hue, particularly depicting Jonathan’s memories with a younger Catherine. Meanwhile, Stephen’s calculated harassment disrupts Catherine’s life, sending her husband, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, into a crisis of confidence while also involving her adult son Nicholas, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee.
While Kline’s performance has comedic undertones, the series leans heavily into Catherine’s emotional turmoil. Blanchett’s character is ensnared by an overbearing narration, leaving her intentions opaque until the very end. This storytelling choice diminishes suspense and complicates her character development.
The concluding revelation about Catherine’s past is delayed, eating away at any prior tension and leading to an unsatisfying resolution. The attempt to address feminist themes falters, as the series struggles to articulate its critique of women’s representation in literature.
Overall, while Cuarón crafts visually arresting moments, “Disclaimer” ultimately fails to cohesively convey its narrative, making it hard to engage fully with the story’s underlying issues. The first two episodes of “Disclaimer” are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays.