Criminal Record is one of the best thrillers in recent memory, thanks to its fast pacing, gripping mystery, and outstanding performances.
Criminal Records Review Star Rating: 4.5/5
The cast includes Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo, Zoë Wanamaker, and Charlie Creed-Miles.
Creator: Paul Rutman
Director: Jim Loach.
Streaming on: Apple TV+.
Language: English.
Runtime: 8 episodes, approximately 1 hour each.
Criminal Record Review: What Is It About?
There is nothing like a good mystery, and Paul Rutman, who has served as writer of many intense mystery thrillers like Inspector Lewis and Vera, comes around once more with a new show and a new mystery to unveil; this is the case of Criminal Record, a new series developed by Rutman that sees two detectives as they work on a case from different angles, one is trying to reveal the truth while the other is trying to suppress it for his selfish reasons, creating a very competitive
Criminal Record Review: Script Analysis.
It is clear that Rutman is an expert at creating this type of show because, from the start, Criminal Record creates a very compelling situation by introducing several clues, plot lines, and characters who are a complete mystery to us, the audience, but who begin to develop in unexpected ways as the series progresses. In this case, the main scenario involves a rookie detective going somewhere she shouldn’t and realizing that being a cop and upholding the truth is more complicated than it appears.
Having two detectives working the case from very different perspectives is a genius move because you’ll know who to root for right away, making it easy for the audience to become invested in the series. The dialogue is sharp and flows smoothly; each conversation contains information and intentions that work on multiple levels. It is efficient, so the series never becomes overly wordy, and all of the characters have the opportunity to act rather than simply waiting to react to the case unfolding.
Splitting the point of view of two different characters creates a great dichotomy that allows us to focus on each character separately from the other; these two are not partners, and they are not working with each other, but you can see how every action the other makes influences the other’s actions and thoughts; it’s like an exciting and intense game of cat and mouse.
So, while Criminal Record may be considered a slow burn, each episode includes at least one intense sequence that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This dynamism in how the plot unfolds may be the best thing about the show, and it will be one of the most compelling aspects for the audience, keeping them watching the series week after week until the very end.
Some other slow-burn shows should learn to strike this balance, as pacing is one of the most problematic aspects of modern television. The series is told from two perspectives, with Cush Jumbo playing June Lenker, our rookie detective. Jumbo is best known for her role as Lucca Quinn in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, and in Criminal Record, she shines as a main character who is easy to root for because she is fighting for what is right.
Criminal Record Review: Star Performance
Meanwhile, Peter Capaldi portrays a somber and dangerous character with dark secrets and enigmatic motivations. Capaldi excels at this type of character, even though we know he can also be funny and tender, as we’ve seen in many of his other roles, such as Doctor Who and The Thick of It. Capaldi’s character is difficult to root for in comparison to Jumbo’s, but he is the more compelling of the two, and you want to know more about him than anyone else.
Criminal Record Review: Direction and Music
Jim Loach has worked on several series, including Shameless, The Tower, and Hotel Babylon, so he is no longer a rookie. Still, a complete director, and it demonstrates that Criminal Record understands how to create atmosphere and stakes effectively. Each episode serves as a significant buildup to something larger, creating a lot of anticipation in the viewer.
The score is adequate, but not particularly noteworthy, and it fits the tone of the series quite well. When things get frantic, the music perfectly complements Loach’s images; while the music pieces aren’t something you’d listen to on their own outside of the show, they do their job. Finally, Criminal Record feels like a complete package, with solid visuals and tight pacing that still gives characters time to be themselves.
Criminal Record Review: Final Words
Criminal Record is a pleasant surprise to begin the year, and it is a welcome addition to the Apple TV+ portfolio, which has increasingly become the place to find quality shows, even if it appears that no one is watching them. The actors are excellent, the directing is solid, and the mystery is compelling, making the eight-part series a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or wants to jump into the genre right away.
