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Summary
- The new limited series
Presumed Innocent
on Apple TV+ stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Renate Reinsve in a gripping murder mystery storyline. - While the show updates the story for modern times, many changes seem unnecessary and fail to enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Rusty Sabich falls short compared to Harrison Ford’s performance in the 1990 film adaptation.
In the latest limited series from Apple TV+, Presumed Innocent, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who ultimately becomes the prime suspect in the murder of his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve). Following the news of her horrific killing, Rusty initially leads the investigation at the District Attorney’s Office. However, when he fails to disclose the pair’s romantic relationship, those closest to him begin to suspect he might have been involved in her death. After he’s removed from the investigation and the spotlight shifts toward him, he begins to unravel, and questions regarding his involvement fester. As thoughts of Carolyn and their affair consume his mind, Rusty’s marriage and home life are tested more than ever.
Based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Scott Turow, the series is the second adaptation of the book. In 1990, Harrison Ford took on the role of Rusty in Alan J. Pakula’s film with the same title. However, the series doesn’t resemble much of the film besides its initial premise. While both are derived from the same source material, the series has seemingly changed many details that don’t necessarily make the story better. The show updated the concept for modern times, which works in its favor and provides a slight advantage over the film. However, although plenty of episodes are left in the series, it’s obvious Gyllenhaal’s version ultimately falls short compared to Ford’s version.
Presumed Innocent Makes Too Many Unnecessary Changes
Presumed Innocent (2024)
4.5/5
- Release Date
- June 14, 2024
- Cast
- Jake Gyllenhaal , Ruth Negga , Bill Camp , Elizabeth Marvel , Renate Reinsve , Peter Sarsgaard , O-T Fagbenle , Chase Infiniti , Lily Rabe , Nana Mensah , Matthew Alan , Kingston Rumi Southwick
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Apple TV+
- Directors
- Greg Yaitanes , Anne Sewitsky
By no means does the series need to be a carbon copy of the original film. However, for anyone who has seen the nearly 35-year-old movie, the numerous changes made in the show feel a bit needless. While some adjustments are refreshing, most alterations don’t improve the series. With a more racially diverse cast and female-friendly undertones, the show has done a great job updating the story to reflect current times. However, most other changes feel unnecessary and fail to add value to the story. Unlike the film, the series unfolds in a more urgent manner. While such an adjustment might seem better on the surface, it ultimately makes the series feel more hectic compared to the film.
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If the show were the first iteration of the novel, such liberties with the story wouldn’t feel so stark. It’s only when compared to the movie that the show’s changes feel pointless. Unlike the film, Carolyn shares a teenage son with her ex-husband. She was pregnant at the time of her death, and it’s discovered she knowingly hid evidence from the defense during one of her trials. She and Rusty are meant to be top-notch lawyers, but the series fails to accurately portray such a fact, while the film makes their talents very clear.
Furthermore, in the series, Rusty’s wife, Barbara (Ruth Negga), doesn’t appear to possess the same level of agency as she does in the film. It’s unclear whether she has any sort of identity outside the home, which is quite a blunt change from the film version of Barbara (Bonnie Bedelia) and ultimately creates a very different familial dynamic. In the film, Barbara has spent 10 years working towards her PhD in mathematics and hopes to teach at a local university. However, in the show, Barbara seemingly exists solely as a wife and mother. That being said, many more episodes are left in the series, and such an adjustment could be part of a larger storyline that has yet to be revealed. Make no mistake, the series is good; the film is simply a better adaptation of the source material.
Harrison Ford’s Portrayal of Rusty Is Better Than Jake Gyllenhaal’s
As great an actor as Jake Gyllenhaal might be, his portrayal of Rusty does not possess the same level of stoicism that Harrison Ford brought to the role. Instead, Gyllenhaal plays the character as much more unstable and obsessive, which is clearly purposeful and done well. However, such a take on the character makes it hard to believe he’s one of the best prosecutors in the state. His shift in demeanor happens so quickly with his other colleagues that it’s difficult to imagine he can keep his cool under the pressures of a trial. Viewers are simply told how great of a lawyer Rusty is, whereas, in the film, the audience is able to see it for themselves. As a result, compared to Gyllenhaal’s portrayal, Ford’s embodiment of the character comes out on top.
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Despite the various changes, by no means is the series bad. So far, it’s an entertaining legal thriller with a stunning cast worth watching. The acting is solid across the board, and the manner in which the story unfolds keeps viewers hooked. For those who have seen the film, the show is a completely different viewing experience, which is good. However, if forced to compare the series to the film, Gyllenhaal’s version simply doesn’t hold up to Ford’s version. Presumed Innocent is currently streaming on Apple TV+, and new episodes of the series hit the platform every Wednesday.
