Devil’s Advocate (2023) Netflix Series Review - A Gripping Legal Thriller Set in Kuwait

Devil’s Advocate is a Netflix original series that premiered on July 13, 2023. It is a legal thriller set in Kuwait City, where a famous football player is accused of murdering his wife, and a renegade lawyer decides to take his case, despite the overwhelming public opinion against him. The series is based on a true story and is the second Kuwaiti project from Netflix, following The Exchange.

The series consists of seven episodes, each about an hour long. The plot follows the lawyer, played by Haya Abdel Salam, as she tries to prove the innocence of the football star, played by Ali Kakooli while facing threats, obstacles, and secrets along the way. The series explores themes such as justice, corruption, media influence, and social pressure in the context of Kuwaiti culture and society.

The series begins with the discovery of the body of the football star’s wife, who has been stabbed to death in their home. The police quickly arrest him as the prime suspect, based on the evidence and his history of domestic abuse. The media and the public condemn him as a murderer and demand his execution. The lawyer, who is a former journalist and a human rights activist, sees his case on TV and decides to take it, believing that he deserves a fair trial and that there is more to the story than meets the eye.

As the lawyer investigates the case, she uncovers a web of lies, secrets, and conspiracies that involve powerful figures in the government, the police, the media, and the football industry. She also learns more about the football star’s past, which includes a tragic childhood, a troubled marriage, and a scandalous affair. She faces many challenges and dangers along the way, such as threats from unknown callers, attacks from angry mobs, sabotage from corrupt officials, and betrayal from her own colleagues. She also develops a personal bond with her client, who reveals his vulnerable and human side to her.

The series ends with a dramatic courtroom showdown, where the lawyer presents her evidence and arguments to prove the football star’s innocence. She exposes the real killer and the mastermind behind the murder, who have their own motives and agendas. She also reveals the truth about the victim’s life and death, which shocks everyone. The verdict is delivered by the judge, who has to weigh the law and justice against public opinion and pressure.

The series is well-written and well-acted, with a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked until the end. The characters are complex and realistic, with their own motivations and flaws. The lawyer is a strong and determined woman who believes in her client and fights for the truth, even if it means risking her career and reputation. The football star is a sympathetic and charismatic man who claims to be innocent but has a dark past that haunts him.

The series also showcases the culture and scenery of Kuwait, with its rich history, traditions, and diversity. The series depicts the legal system, the media landscape, the social norms, and the religious beliefs of the country, as well as its challenges and opportunities. The series does not shy away from addressing sensitive issues such as domestic violence, adultery, honor killings, and human rights violations, but does so with respect and nuance.

The series is not without its flaws, however. Some of the plot twists are predictable or implausible, such as the revelation that the football star’s wife was having an affair with his best friend and teammate, or the discovery that the real killer was a hired assassin working for a powerful politician. Some of the characters are underdeveloped or stereotypical, such as the corrupt police chief, the ruthless prosecutor, the biased judge, and the greedy media mogul. The series also relies on some clichés and tropes of the genre, such as courtroom drama, police corruption, media manipulation, and hidden agendas. The series could have benefited from more depth and originality in its storytelling and characterization.

Overall, Devil’s Advocate is a compelling and engaging series that offers a glimpse into a different culture and society through a captivating legal case. The series has a strong cast, a solid script, and a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you are a fan of legal thrillers or international dramas, you should give Devil’s Advocate a try.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times