DISCLAIMER

Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, and Sacha Baron Cohen lead in this seven-part thriller. The plot revolves around a cantankerous old man (Kline, expertly aged thanks to extensive make up) who publishes a book about his son’s untimely death after a supposed affair with Catherine (Blanchett.) The book wreaks havoc on Catherine’s marriage, damages her already fractured relationship with her son, and impacts her career. As secrets unravel, the truth gradually comes to light. I found the story to be laborious and at times, implausible. The strong cast portrayed the (mostly) unlikeable characters to perfection, especially Kline as the vengeful and unhinged Stephen Brigstocke. As a book adaptation, the banal, intrusive voice overs seemed out of place and perhaps landed better in written form – who were they all taking to anyway? It could’ve also been condensed in length. Average at best.