Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch’s ‘The Day of the Jackal’ Is an Exhilarating Assassin Thriller: TV Review

As a lover of intricate thrillers and a connoisseur of suspenseful storytelling, I must confess that “The Day of the Jackal” has left me thoroughly captivated. This modern retelling, crafted by Ronan Bennett with Frederick Forsyth’s guidance, is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse game that masterfully blends the old with the new.


In my perspective, I’ve always been captivated by the tale of “The Day of the Jackal,” originally penned by Frederick Forsyth in his 1971 novel. This gripping story revolves around a shadowy assassin. Later, Fred Zinnemann brought this thrilling saga to life on the silver screen with his 1973 film adaptation. Now, Ronan Bennett, the mastermind behind “Top Boy,” has breathed new life into this classic as a 10-episode Peacock series (broadcasted in the U.K. on Sky). With Frederick Forsyth himself serving as a consulting producer, Bennett has crafted an exhilarating drama that centers around a captivating game of cat and mouse between an elusive chameleon and the relentless law enforcement officer hot on his heels.

The story begins in Munich as an old man talks to himself, unbeknownst to us that this is actually the character known as the Jackal (Redmayne), preparing for a violent mission. Later on, at MI6 headquarters in London, weapons expert Bianca Pullman learns about the chilling assassination of a German politician. Upon discovering the murder was carried out from over two miles away, solving this case becomes an obsession for her.

As a cinephile, I’m here to say that Bennett serves up something fresh, deviating from the typical action thriller mold. In this series, The Jackal operates independently, yet he’s not isolated or bereft of empathy. From the get-go, we meet Nuria (played brilliantly by Úrsula Corberó), who holds a special place in The Jackal’s esteem. To preserve the image he desires, he conceals his profession from her. However, this secret tangles their lives, leading to turmoil as the narrative unfolds.

Although Bianca’s family, her husband Paul (Saul Rimi) and daughter Jasmine (Florisa Kamara), are informed about her work with MI6, they aren’t privy to the risks associated with it. In “The Day of the Jackal,” the role of a British intelligence officer isn’t characterized by glamour or excitement; instead, it demands agents to prioritize their duties above personal affairs and relentlessly pursue their assignments. This unwavering focus is a trait that Bianca and the Jackal both possess.

Beyond its stunning visuals and thrilling action scenes, it’s the characters that truly propel this series. Neither Bianca nor the Jackal are admirable individuals. Bianca, played with intensity by Lynch, frequently neglects her family in favor of her work. Her character is relentless and self-absorbed. The Jackal, portrayed by Redmayne, exhibits a cold-hearted ruthlessness that is both chilling and captivating. His calm demeanor is deceptively predatory, drawing the audience in just as he lures his victims. Each time he strikes, it comes as a shock.

The Jackal is not perfect; he often makes errors and has to adjust things spontaneously. Bennett reveals flaws in the supposed perfection of the mastermind, enhancing the show’s authenticity and allowing Redmayne to portray moments that hint at the Jackal’s humanity. He executes swiftly and without regret, but occasionally shows signs of distress from his actions, although it doesn’t deter him.

While I found “The Day of the Jackal” utterly engaging, it’s not without its imperfections. Although the majority of the series is rich and intriguing, Episode 6 seems to be an anomaly that doesn’t quite align with the broader narrative arc. Despite some pivotal moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, the storyline stagnated for a while before reaching its thrilling climax in the final four episodes.

Although encountering a hump in its mid-run, “The Day of the Jackal” proves to be an immersive dramatic experience. Building on Forsyth’s cherished novel, Bennett’s contemporary adaptation unfolds a tangled network of espionage and a tale revolving around two relentless characters. The Jackal and Bianca’s professions serve as the core, yet they are fully fleshed-out individuals with personal lives, responsibilities, and an unyielding determination to succeed. Every aspect is crafted with precision and care, resulting in a gripping adventure that keeps you on edge until the very conclusion.

Beginning on November 14th, the initial five episodes of “The Day of the Jackal” will debut on Peacock. Each new episode follows a weekly release schedule every Thursday.

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2024-11-14 17:46