AT THE MOVIES

by Isy Jordan

While we're still navigating the pandemic, movies aren't always enough. Sometimes we have to discover a new series and binge watch it. The good news? I've got two such original series to tell you about on the new Apple TV streaming service.

Defending Jacob
Director: Mark Bomback
Starring: Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones, Pablo Schreiber and more.

The limited drama series is a gripping, character-driven thriller based on the 2012 New York Times best selling novel of the same name by William Landay. An assistant DA's world is shattered when his beloved son gets charged with murder.

First up, is Defending Jacob, based on the book I read a few years ago. It starts in a small New England town with the discovery of the body of a 14-year-old-boy. Who stabbed him to death? Assistant D.A. Andy Barber (Evans) takes on the case only to watch his ideal world spiral out of control when his son Jacob (Martell) is accused of the murder of his classmate.

In eight well-crafted episodes, we watch the family navigate the changes the accusation has made in their lives. As the evidence leads the parents to think the worst, that their child just might be a murderer, twists and turns in the story cleverly propel it towards an ending that some will appreciate and some will be vexed by.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It moved slowly at first but it was necessary to take a look at all of our characters and try to figure out what was true and not true. The ending of the show was very different from that of the book. As a fan of both, I liked the show's ending and the acting was brilliant. I highly recommend this one.

 

Servant
Creator: Tony Basgallop
Starring: Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger Grint, Rupert Grint, and more.

A Philadelphia couple is in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home.

This one caught my attention because of the involvement of M. Night Shyamalan who I'm a big fan of. A television journalist and her chef husband hire a nanny to take care of their baby for them. But nothing is what it seems to be.

Where do I start? The story starts with the arrival of the new nanny, Leanne. Leanne seems as quiet, awkward, and reserved as the couple is hip and trendy. When the wife leaves for her job, the husband has a frank talk with the young woman. He explains that the job is hopefully only temporary. Her job will be to pretend to care for a doll that represents the baby boy the couple lost, Jericho, for the protection of his wife's fragile mental state.

Leanne not only takes what he tells her in stride, she conducts herself as if the doll is alive just as the wife does.

I really can't say more than that. I enjoyed this show very much because every time I thought I had it figured out, I didn't. It kept me on my toes, featured wonderful acting, and was clever. Unlike Defending Jacob, Servant will return for another season. When given our current circumstances? We don't know. I highly recommend this thrilling show too.

Isy