Alfonso Cuarón is known for his striking portrayal of the ocean as a symbol of emotional extremes, evident in films like “Children of Men,” “Gravity,” and “Roma.” In his latest project, the Apple TV+ series “Disclaimer,” which he fully wrote and directed, he explores themes of grief and storytelling through the lens of a young man’s tragic drowning on an Italian beach, showcasing numerous dramatic water scenes.
However, this series is a departure from Cuarón’s typical style. While he usually encapsulates intimacy within grand spectacles, “Disclaimer” is a dialogue-driven exploration that often struggles with pacing and structure. Adapted from Renée Knight’s 2015 novel, it faces challenges common to literary adaptations, such as excessive narration. As a result, the show can feel disjointed, starting out perplexing and leading to a twist that lacks impact after seven hours of buildup.
Cate Blanchett stars as Catherine Ravenscroft, a celebrated documentarian who faces the repercussions of her past when a self-published novel, “The Perfect Stranger,” hints at dark truths about her life. The narrative unfolds through the lens of Stephen Brigstocke, portrayed by Kevin Kline, who seeks revenge for the tragic death of his son, Jonathan, during a gap year in Italy. The story alternates between Stephen’s pursuit of Catherine and flashbacks that reveal his motivations.
Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, along with Bruno Delbonnel, enhances the series with a warm, golden glow that captures moments from the past, including Catherine’s interactions with a younger Jonathan. Meanwhile, Stephen’s increasingly intrusive actions towards Catherine disrupt her perfect life, as he exposes her secrets to her husband, Rob, played by Sacha Baron Cohen.
Despite Kline’s compelling performance, which veers into dark comedy, Cuarón emphasizes the emotional unraveling of Catherine, making her the focal point of the narrative. However, Blanchett’s character feels familiar to audiences, as she has portrayed similar roles successfully in the past. Cuarón’s choice to use verbose narration and to withhold critical aspects of Catherine’s story until the end diminishes suspense while weigh down her character’s arc.
Ultimately, the series aims to provide feminist commentary but falters due to its execution. “Disclaimer” struggles to reconcile its ambitious themes with the complexity and nuance required to convey its message effectively. While notable images are crafted throughout the series, it fails to deliver a cohesive narrative that resonates meaningfully.
The first two episodes of “Disclaimer” are currently available on Apple TV+, with new episodes scheduled for release weekly on Fridays.