Disclaimer: A World Without Truth, Only Perspectives

From the moment Disclaimer was released, I was hooked onto it. It is bereft of exaggerated twists or fast-paced action. Instead, its slow-burn exploration of truth and perspectives enticed me. Presented through three distinctly different viewpoints, the series led me into a philosophical reflection on how we perceive reality. It has garnered significant online buzz, second only to The Penguin. Yet, its ratings on Peliplat (7.0 ) and IMDb (7.5) hover in the precarious watchable-but-not-essential zone, which is unexpected. I think this series has been underrated.

Why did Alfonso Cuarón , a master of visual and narrative storytelling, fail to capture broad acclaim in his TV debut?

In today’s fast-paced world, audiences are accustomed to rapid storytelling. With its deliberate and intricate narrative, Disclaimer offers a starkly different experience. Netizens are divided on this approach: some praise its bold and innovative storytelling that presents a refreshing perspective with its serpentine narrative structure and deep thematic exploration, while others dismiss it as overly convoluted and slow, making it challenging for them to be emotionally engaged with. These debates reflect its dual nature: Disclaimer is both an artistic exploration and a disruption of conventional TV drama norms.

Cuarón’s signature premium touch is undeniable. From the feeling of isolation in to the dystopian vision in Children of Men, he immerses viewers in his works through distinctive audiovisual language. In Disclaimer, he employs sensual imagery, intricate lighting, and meticulous detail to create a layered narrative world. One standout moment unfolds on a Mediterranean beach, where Catherine Ravenscroft (Cate Blanchett ) is surrounded by an ethereal glow that symbolizes her enigmatism and allure. In another scene, the series brims with dramatic tension when Jonathan Brigstocke (Louis Partridge ) dives into the sea to save a life. Such cinematic finesse is rare in television, underscoring the depth of care and intention behind the series’ direction.

The director’s design is not just reflected in the beauty of light and shadow; the narrative is the focus. To illustrate this, let me first briefly introduce the story.

The Story

The plot revolves around Catherine, a celebrated journalist known for exposing wrongdoing. Her world is upended when she receives a novel by an unknown author, only to realize she is its protagonist. The story reveals her darkest secret, and Catherine must confront her past while racing to uncover the author’s identity before it destroys her relationships with her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen ) and son Nicholas (Kodi Smit-McPhee ).

Cuarón crafts this narrative through layered perspectives: first-person introspection, third-person observation, fictional recreations from the novel, and even second-person addresses that dissolve the barrier between characters and viewers.

Truth Through Multiple Lenses

The three central characters—a journalist, a writer, and a “witness”—offer contradictory and intersecting recollections of past events. Did the writer accurately recount her memories? Were the witness’s statements distorted by fear and bias? Did the journalist impose her own assumptions while chasing the truth?

This interplay of perspectives evokes Rashomon and mirrors the fragmented nature of real-life reports and narratives. As in media, where every story is filtered through editorial choices, the show challenges viewers to question the reliability of what they see and hear.

Cuarón’s message seems to echo German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s words: “There are no facts, only interpretations.” This notion lies at the heart of the series and resonates most deeply with me. We often believe we have grasped the truth, but our perspectives are inevitably colored by bias and limitation. The three perspectives in Disclaimer are seemingly contradictory yet intricately entwined.

The Art of Subtlety

What drew me most to Disclaimer was its refusal to spoon-feed answers. Instead, it compels its audience to piece together a puzzle of perspectives by analyzing the characters’ narratives and comparing them. Without absolute patience and attention, the viewers will easily bail out of the series after the first few episodes. For example, in exploring the grief of Stephen (Jonathan’s father, played by Kevin Kline ) and his wife, Cuarón uses recurring motifs of children in the frame’s periphery to contrast their inner desolation. Similarly, the minute detail of a hole in Nicholas’s socks hints at his personal struggles, setting the stage for subsequent plot developments and making the character more multi-dimensional.

Cuarón also leverages light and color as thematic tools. The journalist’s recollections are rendered in cool grays, reflecting her composure and rationality; the writer’s idealized memories glow in oranges; while the witness’s perspectives are steeped in dark reds, hinting at unresolved violence and fear. These deliberate choices elevate the series from a mere story to a work of art.

Undervalued Masterpiece?

Paradoxically, the same artistic ambition that makes Disclaimer brilliant may also hinder its wider entertainment appeal. Its slow, intricate pacing demands full engagement for every single frame and dialogue, which may deter casual viewers. While this “unflattering” approach has contributed to its artistry and profundity, it impedes the series from winning the favor of audiences, which explains its lukewarm reception. Disclaimer does not align with mainstream aesthetics and appears more like an experimental creation.

Nevertheless, it reaffirmed my admiration for Cuarón’s creativity. Despite its modest ratings, it deserves repeated viewings. The series demonstrates that truth is not a fixed entity but an intricate mosaic of perspectives. Only by setting aside our expectations for entertainment can we truly appreciate its beauty and complexity.

Catch you later for more movie musings!