The Day of the Jackal

I came to check reviews to see if anyone else noticed how off the female lead's performance was, and I was surprised to find many others felt the same way. Lashana's portrayal is unfortunately a glaring weak point in this otherwise brilliant adaptation of The Day of the Jackal. Her expressions feel stiff, her delivery lacks authenticity, and her performance breaks the immersive tension of an otherwise exceptional crime thriller. While I haven't seen her other work and she may shine in different roles, here her acting feels amateurish and out of place.

That being said, the series itself is a masterpiece of suspense. The narrative is gripping, the pacing keeps you hooked, and the rest of the cast delivers top-notch performances. If you're a fan of crime thrillers, this is still absolutely worth your time. Lashana's shortcomings aside, the overall production and thrilling storyline make it an unforgettable experience.

The Day of the Jackal had everything to be the series of the year, because the story is incredible, full of action, improbable setbacks and a lot of violence like the typical "coldness" of a professional killer masterfully well played by the award-winning Eddie Redmayne. Unfortunately, the series' biggest flaw is precisely the main actress, who plays the role of the police officer Bianca who pursues the Jackal, the British Lashana Lynch. Her interpretation is pathetic. She can't "get into the role" and is not convincing as an elite police officer of the British intelligence service. Her facial and body expressions range from the inexpressiveness of a door to the drowsiness of a "sloth". A disappointing choice of an actress who is very inexperienced for this type of challenge.

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!

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.

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.