The Day of the Jackal: A Modern Assassin’s Tale of Suspense and Moral Complexity
The Day of the Jackal is a thrilling new 10-episode miniseries based on the best selling Frederick Forsyth novel. Updated with a modern twist, and premiering on Peacock this month (November 2024), this made-for-TV version takes the story of a skilled and enigmatic assassin, known only as “The Jackal,” and transports it into a contemporary setting. Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of the Jackal has been widely praised for its subtle yet compelling delivery, capturing the cold precision and underlying humanity of the character.
Unlike the original 1973 film, where the Jackal’s target was French President Charles de Gaulle, the series opts for a fictional philanthropist with ties to a new technology. This shift opens the story to a broader commentary on modern political intrigue and corruption. Lashana Lynch plays MI6 agent Bianca Pullman, the determined and morally complex adversary, tasked with hunting down the elusive assassin. The series explores the ethical boundaries both characters cross, blurring the lines between right and wrong as they engage in a tense game of cat and mouse across Europe and beyond.
The show’s success lies in its ability to maintain suspense, with well-executed action scenes that range from high-octane chases to meticulously planned assassinations. It doesn’t shy away from exploring the personal lives of its central characters, notably the Jackal’s secretive family life, which provides a glimpse into his vulnerability. However, the series occasionally falters when it delves into subplots, particularly the Jackal’s wife, which some viewers found less engaging.
Despite these occasional filler moments, The Day of the Jackal excels as an exciting, fast-paced thriller that plays with expectations, leaving viewers questioning who they should be rooting for. Its stylish direction, strong performances, and edge-of-your-seat plot twists make it one of the standout offerings in this season’s TV lineup.