The Day of the Jackal

The Day of the Jackal (2024) offers a gripping narrative with Eddie Redmayne delivering a standout performance, embodying the intensity of his character. The series' cinematic style is refreshingly authentic, reminiscent of a time when storytelling felt grounded and realistic. However, the casting of Lashana Lynch as Bianca Pullman detracts from the series. Her portrayal lacks the depth and expression required for the role, which feels like a misstep. Without this casting issue, the series would easily be a 10/10. Hoping future episodes maintain the high bar set and deliver a satisfying conclusions.

Eddie Redmayne was truly brilliant in this, he was on point for all the different characters he's plays on the show, and makes an excellent villain, however you are always rooting for him... because the female lead (Lynch) isn't great.. she comes off as insanely arrogant, and cold hearted, even to her own family and colleagues and in no way do you want her to catch him. She shows no emotion at any point in the series, and you end up just hating her character. However the jackal - you see 2 sides, his assassin side but then the side he spends with his family, where you understand him a bit more.

I loved the different location shots across Europe, and the fact the jackal knows these different languages.

I really hope there's another season, but think they need to rethink the female lead.

I must agree with many other reviewers, this is a great production with good atmosphere and Eddie Redmayne does a great job in the lead role as the Jackal but the female lead just ruins the whole thing. It's a total miscast using an actor who, can't show any facial emotion regardless of the situation and who almost approaches overacting possibly in an effort to make up for the lack of understanding or appreciating the character. The character is obviously meant to be confident and experienced but it's portrayal is one of a cocky 'I know best' woman who for one, has no appreciation of evidence walking the suitcase through the general office. She's just so irritating and unbelievable.

As has been mentioned by many other reviewers, Eddie Redmayne is fantastic in the role of "The Jackal." Cold, calm, calculated, ruthless. Everything you'd imagine an assassin to be, but contradicted by his family-man act. Something Eddie portrays brilliantly.

Unfortunately, the MI6 agent, played by Lashana Lynch, falls WAAAAYYY short of competing in this acting game.

Her character feels disjointed - the contradiction between MI6 agent, and family "homebody," so expertly portrayed by Eddie - doesn't work. Her character is just "unlikable" at best; downright annoying, most of the time.

Thankfully, there's enough screen time for Eddie to offset this.

Tense, gripping and genuinely really watchable. Most of the other characters are well acted and thought out. The set-pieces are impressive and unlike a lot of films/shows, not so dark you struggle to see anything.

Don't let the female lead prevent you from watching this fantastic adaptation - just accept you'll probably dislike her after the 1st episode, and you'll be fine!

Ok so I am loving the series, yes I can pick out errors etc, but I am just watching and enjoying the series so far.

One major let down is Lashana who is playing the lead female role, she is a decent enough actor but this role just does not suit her, apparently she is a weapons expert but without spoiling the plot must of shot over 200 shots at someone and well let's just say if she was on a grassy knoll we would not be talking about JFK's fate today, there are many better suited people for this role but unfortunately the casting people made an error, and this we have to live with. I am only 6 episodes in and am waiting for the next to be released, if the series continues the way it is it will be a success regardless of Lashana.