5 Reasons Why You Should Watch Apple TV’s Disclaimer

Apple TV+’s Disclaimer, released on October 11, brings together Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline in a thrilling mystery directed by Alfonso Cuarón. With its dark twists and secrets, this series is a must-watch for fans of suspense and high-stakes drama. 

If you haven’t heard of Disclaimer but love thriller-mysteries, Disclaimer should definitely be on your radar. The show follows Catherine (Cate Blanchett), a journalist, whose world is turned upside down when a novel, written by Stephen’s (Kevin Kline) wife Nancy, appears to reveal dark secrets from her past. Every episode peels back another layer of Catherine’s past, revealing only the tip of the iceberg as deeper secrets begin to emerge. No spoilers here, so don’t worry! 

Intricately Crafted Storyline

At the start of Disclaimer, the show put out a thought-provoking warning: “Beware of narrative and form. Their power can bring us closer to the truth, but they can also be a weapon with a great power to manipulate.” This sets the tone for the series, hinting not only at the secrets waiting to be uncovered, but also at its exploration of perspectives and prejudices. Unlike other thrillers that lead you in one direction only to surprise you at the end, Disclaimer presents three intertwined storylines by the second episode. The dueling voice-overs from Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline also suggest how subjective their truths and perspectives are. The show’s brilliance lies in how it plays with narrative structure, creating suspense not just through action, but through how the story is told. And I’m pretty sure that Disclaimer is building a trap for us to jump in, so don’t let “our own deeply held beliefs and judgment we made” manipulate us. 

Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline

The performances by Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline are beyond phenomenal. Cate Blanchett captures the emotional unraveling of her character with nuance, drawing you into her inner conflict. And Kevin Kline delivers a standout portrayal that evokes shades of Walter White, seemingly unassuming yet actually two steps ahead. His character has layers of complexity that Kevin Kline handles brilliantly. And to be honest, every supporting actor, Louis Partridge, Leila George, Sacha Baron Cohen, also brings their A-game. The casting is so well done that each character feels perfectly placed.  

Stunning Visual Storytelling

If you’re a film enthusiast or just someone who loves great cinematography, watch Disclaimer for the visual experience alone. Shows and movies use different color tones to convey emotions and distinguish between characters, and Disclaimer uses this technique masterfully. The show usually shifts between two distinct palettes—a warm, orangey tone and a gray-greenish one. The gray-green tone is often linked to Stephen, while the warm, orange hues belong to Catherine, which suggests their different status quo. However, whenever Catherine begins to unravel parts of her past, the visuals subtly shift to a greenish tone, either through color correction or lighting. And Alfonso Cuarón, the award winning director of Disclaimer, and his director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki are definitely pros in lighting. From the soft glows at Catherine’s house, the rim of sun over the ocean, to the warm Italian sunlight, Disclaimer is filled with stunning, atmospheric lighting that adds layers of beauty and tension to every scene.

A Cat Cameo

If you’re a cat lover, you might find yourself going “aww” while watching Disclaimer. While it may seem like a minor detail, Catherine’ cat in Disclaimer plays a subtly symbolic role. Alfonso Cuarón purposefully included the cat to introduce an element of unpredictability into the tightly controlled lives of the characters. In one scene, as Cate Blanchett’s character tries to debone a fish, the cat disrupts her by jumping up and down on the counter. It’s a cute and relatable moment that probably a lot of cat owners have experienced, but Alfonso Cuarón uses the cat’s interruption as a reminder of the organized chaos these characters live in. Will there be more symbolism tied to the cat? Maybe cat lovers will pick up on subtle hints and find out the answers. 

Intriguing Character Dynamics

When you first start watching Disclaimer, it’s easy to feel confused about the relationship and unsure of what’s really going on. But the beauty of the show lies in how it gradually reveals its secrets, keeping you hanging on the edge. If you have the patience for a slow-burn, Disclaimer will reward you, especially with the intriguing character interactions that make the journey far from boring. Each interaction feels layered with tension, hidden motives, and emotional depth, like the tension between Catherine and her emotionally distant son, her subtle exchanges with a work competitor, or the explosive confrontation with her husband. The relationships—whether strained, secretive, or combative—keep you glued to the screen. It’s a show where the smallest conversations can carry the weight of unresolved histories that you might not have thought of.

If you are hooked, get seated! Episodes drop every Friday on Apple TV+!