An intense family drama, where the whole lot unravels after a young son is accused of a chilling murder – it sounds familiar right? This might describe Netflix’s hit Adolescence, a tense four-part series that’s been capturing hearts but, oddly enough, this description suits one other remarkable American series from a couple of years ago.
A Murder Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Defending Jacob takes the same premise but it surely stretches its storyline over eight episodes, plunging deeper into the murder-mystery genre. It’s less concerning the slow-burn intensity of Adolescence and more about unraveling the reality behind a devastating crime, all while keeping you on the sting of your seat.
An All-Star Forged That Elevates the Story
Defending Jacob consists of a solid that reads like a dream team, including the likes of Marvel icon Chris Evans, Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery, and Jaeden Martell, best known for his roles in It and Knives Out.
This spine-tingling thriller made its debut in 2020 on Apple TV+ and quickly gained praise for its masterful tension.
The show also flaunts stellar performances from Pablo Schreiber (best known for Halo), Cherry Jones (who impressed in Succession), and J.K. Simmons (whose turn in Spider-Man: No Way Hand-crafted waves).
The Storyline: A Father’s Obsession with the Truth
Chris Evans steps into the shoes of district attorney Andy Barber, who spirals into obsession when his 14-year-old son, Jacob (played by Martell), is accused of the brutal murder of a schoolmate. The crime mirrors a tragic event in Adolescence, where a classmate was found brutally stabbed.
However the query stays: Is Jacob truly the killer, or is he just one other victim of circumstance?
For those already hooked on the relentless drama of Stephen Graham in Adolescence or who just wrapped up the mind-bending second season of Severance, this barely underappreciated gem is ideal on your next binge.
Viewer Reactions
One fan raved concerning the show’s suspense, writing on Google reviews, “I like a gripping, suspense thriller and Defending Jacob is just that. It draws you in and leaves you wanting more and anxiously waiting for the following episode to be released.”
They added, “Each Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery give great performances as parents who feel helpless and tortured by their thoughts of ‘is he innocent’ or ‘is he guilty,’ but it surely’s Jaeden Martell who’s the standout here.”
One other admirer focused on the lead actor’s work, “Chris Evans is at his understated best as an emotional father passionately defending his son’s innocence within the face of any and all evidence on the contrary. His performance is poignant and heart-wrenching without dramatic overkill. The supporting performances are stark, streamlined and effective, including that of the titular character’s portrayal.”
Another viewer confessed, “I absolutely adored this show. Defending Jacob had me looking forward to watching the most recent episode every week. It was thrilling, suspenseful, and charming.”
When you haven’t yet discovered Defending Jacob, this week is likely to be the proper time to dive into this riveting crime thriller. It’s available to stream on Apple TV+.
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