Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent has quickly become the “Jake Gyllenhaal show,” a moniker that might be unavoidable given how central his presence is to the series. Gyllenhaal's portrayal of prosecutor Rusty Sabich in this new whodunit, based on Scott Turow’s 1987 novel, is as taut and intense as the moral dilemmas his character faces. Whether you’re a Gyllenhaal fan or not, you’ll find yourself absorbed by his emotionally charged performance, which gives the show its emotional core.

Rusty’s life seems idyllic at the outset:

a well-established career, a beautiful suburban home, and a picture-perfect family with his wife, Barbara (Ruth Negga), and their children. However, this peaceful exterior is shattered when one of his colleagues, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve), is found murdered under grisly circumstances. The twist? Rusty had been having an affair with Carolyn, a secret he was trying to bury, and now, it seems, he’s the prime suspect.

The visual style of Presumed Innocent matches its tone

there’s a lingering sense of dread hanging over the characters and city. Chicago, in this story, is a maze of urban darkness, where the line between public success and private ruin becomes blurred. While Gyllenhaal’s moody, intense performance keeps us invested, the show doesn’t shy away from pushing its narrative to uncomfortable extremes. From Rusty’s internal battles to the troubling flashbacks and moments of paranoia, it’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that relies heavily on Gyllenhaal’s ability to oscillate between innocence and guilt, and, at times, between emotional honesty and guilt-ridden detachment.

At the heart of the story is the relationship between Rusty and Carolyn. Their affair was not just a passing fling; it was an affair that changed everything for Rusty. As the investigation unfolds, the audience is left grappling with conflicting emotions. Is Rusty a victim of circumstances? Or is he a guilty man trying to escape justice?

One of the strongest elements of Presumed Innocent is its dynamic supporting cast. Ruth Negga’s Barbara is more than just the wronged wife—she’s a character who deals with betrayal, grief, and the weight of keeping up appearances, all while trying to preserve her family. Her subdued performance matches the show’s tone, which often calls for quiet reflection rather than over-the-top melodrama.

Peter Sarsgaard also shines as Tommy Molto

Rusty’s rival, who is both a foil and a critic to our protagonist’s moral compass. His dynamic with Gyllenhaal gives the show an added layer of complexity, as their rivalry is painted with shades of jealousy, competition, and frustration. Sarsgaard brings an interesting humanity to his role, elevating it beyond a simple antagonist.

Despite its engaging premise,

Presumed Innocent is far from flawless. The plot occasionally indulges in melodrama, and some narrative decisions may feel unnecessarily convoluted, especially when it comes to certain supporting characters. The pacing also drags in places, but the intricate web of deceit and lies, mixed with Gyllenhaal’s compelling performance, keeps the series from losing its grip.

Ultimately, Presumed Innocent is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you thought you knew about its characters. It offers just the right balance of suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth, with Jake Gyllenhaal leading the charge in what may be one of his most captivating roles yet. The series successfully reinvents the whodunit genre while exploring the grey areas of morality, love, and ambition, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping, character-driven mysteries.