The Day of the Jackal (2024) is a television adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 classic thriller, updating the chilling tale of an anonymous assassin tasked with killing French President Charles de Gaulle. Directed by David Farr, the series brings a fresh perspective to Forsyth’s novel, blending suspense with intense character development. Eddie Redmayne stars as the eponymous Jackal, while Lashana Lynch plays the determined MI6 agent Bianca Pullman who seeks to stop him.

Plot Overview:

Set in the 1960s, the series tracks the methodical and precise preparation of the Jackal, a professional assassin hired by a group of French extremists to eliminate de Gaulle. As the Jackal embarks on his deadly mission, MI6 agent Bianca Pullman is assigned to track him down. The plot spans across Europe, with moments of tense action and moments of strategic maneuvering, as the cat-and-mouse chase unfolds.

Critical Reception:

The 2024 series received a mix of praise and some criticism from both audiences and critics.

Positive Aspects:

• Redmayne’s Performance: Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of the Jackal is often cited as a standout. Critics praised his ability to capture the cold, meticulous nature of the assassin, infusing the character with depth despite his limited screen time. The Guardian described Redmayne’s performance as “astonishing,” with his eerie calm and calculated actions adding an unsettling layer to the character.

• Suspenseful and Stylish: The series is lauded for maintaining a high level of suspense throughout, with intricate plot developments that keep viewers on edge. The direction embraces the slow burn of tension, making the final reveals and confrontations even more impactful. The show’s production design and cinematography also add a level of authenticity, capturing the cold, clinical tone of a high-stakes international thriller.

• Lashana Lynch’s Role: While the focus is on Redmayne’s assassin, Lashana Lynch’s character, Bianca Pullman, provides a compelling foil. Critics noted that Lynch brought both intelligence and physicality to the role, even though some felt her character could have been explored in greater depth. Still, she provides an emotional anchor for the show as the one trying to outsmart the cold assassin.

Critiques:

• Pacing Issues: A recurring criticism is that the pacing can feel slow at times, particularly in the middle episodes. Some felt that the narrative could have been tightened, as the detailed character development and procedural elements sometimes stall the forward momentum of the story. Fans of the original novel or film may find the slower burn frustrating, especially if they’re looking for faster action.

• Character Development: While Redmayne’s performance is well-received, there is some sentiment that the other characters, particularly Bianca Pullman, could have been given more development. A few reviews pointed out that while Lynch’s performance is strong, her character often feels secondary to the Jackal’s plot. Some viewers wished the show spent more time exploring Pullman’s background and her personal stakes in the chase.

• Overall Length: Some critics felt that the show’s extended format, originally conceived for television, wasn’t always necessary for the story. The movie-length episodes could have been condensed, particularly in the second half of the season, where some plotlines felt repetitive. For those seeking a tighter thriller, this could be a drawback.

Conclusion:

The Day of the Jackal (2024) offers a fresh and nuanced take on Forsyth’s novel, with a compelling performance from Eddie Redmayne and an intriguing mix of suspense and strategy. While the pacing can feel slow at times, and some characters lack depth, the series maintains a taut, suspenseful atmosphere that will appeal to fans of methodical thrillers. The cat-and-mouse chase between the Jackal and Pullman is the heart of the show, even if the surrounding plot could have been more finely tuned.

Overall, The Day of the Jackal (2024) serves as an engaging, if sometimes sluggish, adaptation of a classic espionage story that plays on the tension between an unstoppable assassin and the unrelenting forces trying to stop him. For fans of slow-burn thrillers and character-driven suspense, it’s a worthwhile watch.