Anatomy of a Scandal, the most recent Netflix streaming series, is eerily timely, mixing classic law and courtroom drama tropes with themes of sexual abuse and sexual harassment to target wealthy and powerful men by making their crimes public rather than burying them. As a result, the series has a slow build that builds to electrifying moments before concluding with a satisfying conclusion.
The limited series follows James Whitehouse, a popular high-ranking Westminster politician (Rupert Friend). He is married to Sophie (Sienna Miller from American Woman), a stunning and astute woman. While raising a family, they appear to live the perfect life among Britain’s elite. The problem is that there is soon to be a controversy. Olivia (Aladdin’s Naomi Scott), a member of his staff, had a five-month romance with him, and now she is accusing him of rape. Despite the political repercussions, Queen’s Counsel barrister Kate Woodcroft (Michelle Dockery) takes up the case.
Anatomy of a Scandal is based on Sarah Vaughan’s enormously successful novel of the same name. The adaptation stands out with its dramatic twist and character interactions, directed by S.J. Clarkson (Collateral) and written for television by David E. Kelley (Picket Fences, Big Little Lies) and Melissa James Gibson (The Americans). Several enthralling courtroom sequences, for example, are driven by outstanding performances. Olivia Scott and James Friend are subjected to engrossing, challenging, and engrossing interrogation and cross-examination.
Michelle Dockery, on the other hand, is the series’ highlight. Kate Woodcroft strides around with purpose, as though every step has a reason. For example, when the hero shots begin, she moves quickly while walking through a rainstorm, wielding her red and black umbrella like a ruthless Mary Poppins. She’s smart, gorgeous, and a complete enigma. For a limited series, she is the series’ breakout character, and she could easily lead further seasons if necessary. While Miller’s Sophie is intriguing early on, she stays a scorned wife character until the last scenes, which are not particularly compelling. The captivating actress gives it her all in a character with a low ceiling.
The series features a significant plot twist that, while some may find needless, is handled in such a way that it sneaks up on you. It’s well executed. We’ll gladly admit that we guessed it early on in an act of geek bravado, but it’s still a tough one. While episodes two through five are fascinating and can be riveting, the ending may be too smooth and tidy for some tastes due to the tense courtroom sequences. It’s nothing you haven’t seen before in a courtroom drama.
Anatomy of a Scandal is a gripping courtroom drama that, thankfully, bounces back from a second episode in which the core topic tries to muddy the boundary of consent in a way that is simply not true. (James’ lawyer’s key point is that “not here” means “no,” despite the fact that having sex in the elevator does not indicate “no”). With a six-episode first season, this is ideal binge-watching for anyone who like courtroom dramas with a talented cast.