Eddie Redmayne (Fantastic Beasts) possesses a vast array of critically recognised talent, and after a short break from acting returns to screens with a dramatic entrance. From shining performances as Newt Scamander in the now cancelled Fantastic Beasts franchise, to his Oscar-winning depiction of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014), some may describe him as a generational talent. New series The Day of the Jackal (2024) pushes Redmayne out of his typically bumbling but charming persona, and into the boots of a meticulously lethal hitman. Over the course of 10 episodes, he embodies the elusive assassin down to the finest details, delivering an exhilarating performance guaranteed to leave viewers desperate for more.
Based upon the 1971 novel of the same name by Frederick Forsyth, The Day of the Jackal audiences primarily follow; Eddie Redmayne’s (The Good Nurse) mysterious character known only as ‘Jackal’, and Lashana Lynch (The Marvels) as Bianca, the British Intelligence agent determined on hunting him down. The Jackal practically lives in the shadows working for whoever offers the highest fee, and to the untrained eye could be considered as nothing more than a myth, of which he owes to his stealthy means of survivalist operation. Alongside the use of the dark web, jaw-dropping practical disguises and curiously sharp skills, he leaves no trace of existence and for any unfortunate passersby – no witnesses. His diligence is a deliberate method to his madness, and thus he evades the grasp of special forces at every opportunity.
Tasked with stopping this streak of madness is Bianca (Lashana Lynch). Armed with the support of British Intelligence, as well as her recklessly tenacious and occasionally abrasive personality, the assassin’s hunter will stop at nothing to get her man. Over the course of the series Bianca’s dedication to her position finds her increasingly at the hands of danger, and at times her family too, but despite this threat of violence she possesses an unwavering commitment to her mission. Bianca finds herself falling into a hellish case full of twists and turns, and soon realises she’s an addict for the chase, and the Jackal is her drug. After a contract to kill a billionaire tech-entrepreneur is offered with a reward of irresistible wealth, the Jackal and Bianca enter a captivating cat-and-mouse chase across the globe.
Throughout all 10 episodes, the two leads are delivered to audiences with their overarching narratives often intertwined, thus challenging viewers to rethink the definition of evil and manifest an impossible distaste for Redmayne’s charismatic Jackal. Despite being a ruthless killer, the Jackal is revealed to have a tender heart too, thanks to his family. Additionally, action throughout feels refreshingly unique, serving as visual treat thanks to explosive and wicked kills gracing multiple scenes. The series stands out as a positively distinct entrance to television due to impeccably choreographed long-range shootouts featuring in many of the 10 episodes, instilling a calamitous realism and allowing it to exceed all expectations.
The Day of the Jackal excels in one of cinema’s greatest challenges, providing an intimate and self-contained narrative with explosively high-stake consequences that never subvert from the overarching story. Despite revolving around murdering billionaires, assassinating global politicians and a damning threat to cyberspace, the most riveting and enticing moments stem from within family drama. Opening episodes offer a glimpse of a caring family life, injecting the Jackal with this loveable temperament and making it difficult to root against him – no matter the heinous crime he commits. Later episodes are certain to draw empathy from audiences towards the Jackal’s innocent wife, Nuria (Úrsula Corberó), who slowly unravels the truth behind his long stints abroad, refusal to discuss work life and who he truly is, tormented by the idea that their lives together have been nothing more than a lie.
Performances from all cast encourages a magnificent authenticity, whilst simultaneously allowing the series to be an excitingly inventive twist on a beloved genre. Redmayne, as expected, delivers this character from script to screen with an incredible ease and is demanded throughout to adjust the Jackal’s personality depending on his circumstances. In the opening scene, we are introduced to our ‘villain’ as this stoic and silent character, yet as the series progresses, we find a man possessing family values and desire for a quiet life, leaving audiences constantly questioning which side of this man is the ‘real’ Jackal.
Lashana Lynch delivers what may be a career best performance, selling this obsessive workaholic with an outstanding gravitas. Tension within her scenes is oft palpable, delivering a child-like impatience that is consistently thwarted by upper British Intelligence bosses Chukwudi Iwuji (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3) and Lia Williams (Scoop), who are equally impactful in their roles – despite a more reduced screentime. In typical television, Redmayne would be definable as the villain and Lynch as the hero, yet within The Day of the Jackal the line between such is heavily blurred. Both parties stop at nothing to succeed at their respective task, leading to controversial decision making that throws morals out the window. Never knowing the direction of the series will captivate audiences and is where the series excels as an extraordinarily nail-biting thriller.
There are brief moments where a desire for more visual inventiveness may occur, as maintaining a consistent colour palette limits the visual appeal at certain moments, despite the fantastic global scenery throughout. Whilst only a minor criticism, this is an area that could have separated the series from similarly designed television and encouraged it expand to a wider international audience – as it at times feels filmed solely for the pleasure of UK viewers. On top of this, reveals about the Jackal’s backstory specifically teeters on the verge of underwhelming, with audiences able to guess a small handful of outcomes before the segment of the story is told. However, later episodes rectify this issue and will leave audiences shocked at the events that unfold within the finale.
Overall, The Day of the Jackal is a fantastic and creative introduction into modern television that adrenaline junkies will love. With the lack of a distinct morally pure hero, the series’ fast paced and spearheaded mentality invites audiences to indulge in its thrillingly ferocious tale, constantly providing promises of entertainment that it never fails to deliver.
The Day of the Jackal launches exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW on November 7, 2024.
