Chris Evans is best known for playing Captain America in Marvel movies, but long before that, he first gained attention as Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four (2005). Over the years, Evans has proved he’s not just a superhero on screen—he’s also a skilled actor who can take on emotional, serious roles. One such underrated performance came in the gripping crime drama Defending Jacob, a limited series that deserves more attention.
If you enjoyed intense Netflix series like Adolescence, you’ll definitely want to add Defending Jacob to your watchlist. It’s filled with suspense, strong acting, and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the end.
Defending Jacob – Storyline and Cast
Defending Jacob is a legal drama and murder mystery based on the bestselling novel by William Landay. The show is directed by Morten Tyldum, the same filmmaker behind The Imitation Game.
Chris Evans plays Andy Barber, a respected Assistant District Attorney in a quiet Massachusetts town. His life takes a shocking turn when his 14-year-old son Jacob (played by It star Jaeden Martell) is accused of killing a classmate. Suddenly, Andy and his wife Laurie (Michelle Dockery) are thrown into a nightmare. They must face not only the law but also their growing doubts about their own son.
As the story unfolds, Andy is torn between doing his job and protecting his family. Is Jacob really innocent? Or is there something more hiding beneath the surface? These questions form the heart of this emotional and intense series.
The show also features powerful performances by:
- Cherry Jones
- Pablo Schreiber
- Betty Gabriel
- Sakina Jaffrey
- J.K. Simmons
Each actor adds depth to this emotional rollercoaster of a series.
Why You Should Watch Defending Jacob
Defending Jacob isn’t just another crime drama. It explores deep themes like family, trust, and how far a parent would go to protect their child. Chris Evans gives one of his most mature and moving performances, showing a different side of his talent outside the superhero world.
Critics gave the series a solid 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences liked it even more, giving it an impressive 86% rating. It also holds a strong score of 7.8 out of 10 on IMDb. Many viewers praised its storytelling, suspenseful plot, and the emotional weight behind every episode.
Where to Watch Defending Jacob on OTT
Defending Jacob is available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. The series has just eight episodes, with each one running between 45 to 60 minutes. This makes it perfect for a weekend binge or a weeknight watch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a gripping legal drama with heart, mystery, and great acting, Defending Jacob is a must-watch. It shows a whole new side of Chris Evans and delivers a story that will keep you thinking long after it ends. Available now on Apple TV+, this miniseries is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
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