I, Jack Wright review based on the first episode.
I, Jack Wright has all the makings of a perfect mystery thriller, and Grace actor John Simm sits perfectly in the chaos – with a buried rage that will undoubtedly combust, given time.
The drama depicts a toxic blend of betrayal, secrets and scheming, which start to trickle into the light when wealthy businessman Jack Wright dies under mysterious circumstances. His final will and testament divides his family further when his third wife Sally (Nikki Amuka-Bird) and two sons, Gray (Simm) and John (Daniel Rigby), learn that they are set to inherit very, very little of his grossly enormous fortune.
Simm's brilliant performance is just one among a strong cast of actors, assembled to bring the dysfunction in the Wright family's dynamics to the surface.
The trailer promised "a war" to come, with the synopsis teasing "explosive consequences" that will follow "reckless and desperate behaviour" – and the debut episode does a stunning job at laying the groundwork for this.
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This drama features 'to camera' interviews with its characters, which initially felt a little hammy and out of place in the opening, however they eventually become less intrusive the more familiar you become with them.
The storytelling is so carefully meticulous – just like Jack. It's crafted in a way that builds on the mystery, layer by layer, pulling you in and provoking more questions than it's willing to give the answers to on several fronts.
Amuka-Bird is a stand out. As her character shifts throughout the episode, you can't help but become absorbed by the way she channels Sally's vast array of emotions. Love, shock, grief, confusion and bitterness are all there, through her physicality and her expression.
Sally's strong relationship with Gemma Jones' Rose Wright also intrigues because of the unique way in which the two are connected. Cleverly, I, Jack Wright gives no explanation or backstory for their affection, which leaves you craving answers.
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However, what is perhaps more interesting is the relationship each family member has with the deceased. The act of deciphering this through the way they relate to one another adds to the enjoyment of the viewing experience.
Malicious intent and self-serving behaviour reveal a falsehood for some, whereas for others the relationship to Jack has yet to fully crystallise.
Gray, however, is blunt about the nature of things between him and his father, and this suits his character well. Simms nails it as the petulant, irresponsible child. Despite being the oldest, Gray has the stereotypical immaturity of the youngest child which naturally causes some friction.
I, Jack Wright's biggest strength is that it knows that the mystery element is secondary to the more compelling familial story, and so it treats it as such. Despite Jack's death anchoring the plot, it is the why behind everything that draws you into the drama.
However, that's not to say that our use of the word "secondary" equates to that plot thread being half-baked. Far from it. The perplexing details surrounding Jack's death still give viewers another bone to chew on.
Creator Chris Lang (of ITV's Unforgotten) has so-far proven to be skilled in his execution of the genre – let's just hope, with I, Jack Wright, it can keep the momentum going throughout the six episodes.
I, Jack Wright episode one is available to watch on Wednesday 23rd April at 9pm on Alibi with new episodes airing weekly.
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
