Why nothing is what it seemed in Alfonso Cuaron’s Disclaimer

As a seasoned fan of gripping dramas, I must say that Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer has left me utterly spellbound. The masterful storytelling and Cate Blanchett’s riveting performance have made this series an unforgettable experience for me.


In Alfonso Cuarón’s Disclaimer on Apple TV, the conclusion offers a fresh perspective or reinterpretation on all the events previously presented.

The Disclaimer television show comprises seven episodes, crafted both in writing and direction by Alfonso Cuarón, inspired by the 2015 book with the identical title by Renée Knight.

The TV series unfolds across two narrative threads; one set in the past, where Catherine Ravenscroft engages in a short romance with a man named Jonathan during her vacation, only for him to lose his life the following day while heroically saving her son Nicholas from danger.

Currently, a novel seems to portray those past events, and Catherine’s life unravels as the truth comes to light.

In this production, Cate Blanchett portrays a contemporary character named Catherine, while Kevin Kline takes on the role of Stephen, Jonathan’s father. The climactic episode sees Catherine and Stephen confronting each other in Stephen’s kitchen. Unbeknownst to her, the tea she is drinking contains potentially lethal drugs.

Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD, while some may find the following content distressing.

Disclaimer ending explained

Instead of describing the tale that Catherine narrates as involving a passionate love affair, it’s important to clarify that it recounts a traumatic incident where Jonathan invaded her hotel room, subjecting her to a brutal sexual assault lasting for about three hours.

Why nothing is what it seemed in Alfonso Cuaron’s Disclaimer

In this retelling, the story flows more smoothly, avoiding the ambiguity that clouded earlier installments. Catherine admits that Jonathan rescued their son the following day, yet she chooses not to inform the authorities about his distress in the water because of the events from the previous night.

Stephen doesn’t believe her, and leaves Catherine to die passed out on his kitchen floor, while he heads to the hospital to kill Nicholas. As Stephen takes a taxi there, Catherine awakens and manages to recover enough to also race to the hospital.

When Stephen shows up, he sidesteps the seemingly uninformed security personnel (who appear not to know that he’s not Nicholas’s grandfather) and advances towards his bed with the intention of poisoning him. However, Nicholas is alert, calls for his Mother, causing something to suddenly halt Stephen in his steps.

Nicholas expresses a desire to leave by saying, ‘I want to go,’ as he clings to his hand,” explains Stephen, who then recognizes his mistake, accepts Catherine’s truth, and begins to cry.

Why nothing is what it seemed in Alfonso Cuaron’s Disclaimer

Catherine reunites with her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen), after Stephen seems to have revealed the truth about their situation. He apologizes and forgives her, but unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to salvage their marriage. Catherine is dismayed because Robert appears to be coping better with her rape experience than he did with the rumors of her supposed affair.

At the climax, Stephen destroys the incriminating pictures which sparked the entire series of events, however, he catches a glimpse of young Nicholas reflected in one of those photos, implying that the boy had seen the attack.

In a turn of events, the narrative voice states, “No experience can cleanse you, no act can forgive you; your path forward offers no respite.” As he gazes at the photograph.

After their divorce, Catherine finds herself rekindling a relationship with her son, Nicholas. A redundant narration concludes with the sentiment, “Catherine feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this opportunity to fully embrace Nicholas’s affection,” as we observe Catherine expressing her gratitude and love towards him. The heartwarming television series then draws to a close.

You can now stream all seven episodes of Disclaimer, while you might want to check out this link for our top picks of shows available on Apple TV+.

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2024-11-08 13:18