Diksia.com - The Last Thing He Told Me is a miniseries that premiered on Apple TV+ in April 2023, based on the bestselling novel by Laura Dave. The show stars Jennifer Garner as Hannah Hall, a woodturner who is married to Owen Michaels, a software engineer at a startup called The Shop. When Owen disappears after the FBI raids his company for fraud, he leaves behind a note for Hannah that says “Protect her”.
The note refers to his 16-year-old daughter Bailey, who is also Hannah’s stepdaughter. Hannah and Bailey embark on a journey to find out the truth about Owen’s past and their future, while facing danger, secrets, and betrayal.
The show is a gripping thriller that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, as Hannah and Bailey unravel the mystery of Owen’s identity and his involvement in a criminal organization. The show also explores the themes of family, trust, and identity, as Hannah and Bailey develop an unlikely bond and discover new aspects of themselves and each other.
The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised the performances, the writing, and the direction.
Jennifer Garner Shines as Hannah Hall
One of the highlights of the show is Jennifer Garner’s portrayal of Hannah Hall, the protagonist and narrator of the story. Garner delivers a nuanced and emotional performance, as she portrays Hannah’s confusion, fear, determination, and resilience. Hannah is a complex and relatable character, who is not only a wife and a stepmother, but also a successful and independent woman, who has her own passions and dreams.
Garner brings out Hannah’s strength and vulnerability, as she faces the challenges of finding her missing husband, protecting her stepdaughter, and coping with the revelations of his lies. Garner also has a great chemistry with Angourie Rice, who plays Bailey, and the two create a believable and touching relationship.
Angourie Rice Impresses as Bailey Michaels
Another standout of the show is Angourie Rice, who plays Bailey Michaels, Owen’s daughter and Hannah’s stepdaughter. Rice is a young and talented actress, who has appeared in films such as Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Nice Guys, and Black Mirror. Rice gives a captivating and convincing performance, as she portrays Bailey’s anger, sadness, curiosity, and courage.
Bailey is a smart and rebellious teenager, who has a strained relationship with her father and her stepmother. She is also a loyal and caring friend, who has a sweet romance with her boyfriend Bobby, played by John Harlan Kim. Rice brings out Bailey’s complexity and growth, as she learns to trust and love Hannah, and to confront the truth about her father.
The Supporting Cast and the Guest Stars Add Depth and Intrigue
The show also features a stellar supporting cast and some notable guest stars, who add depth and intrigue to the story. Aisha Tyler plays Jules Nichols, Hannah’s best friend and a journalist, who helps her investigate Owen’s case. Tyler is a versatile and charismatic actress, who has appeared in shows such as Friends, CSI, and Archer. Tyler brings out Jules’ humor, intelligence, and loyalty, as she supports Hannah and provides her with valuable information.
Augusto Aguilera plays Grady Bradford, a US Marshal who claims to be Owen’s friend and offers to help Hannah and Bailey. Aguilera is a rising star, who has appeared in films such as The Predator and Too Old to Die Young. Aguilera brings out Grady’s charm, mystery, and ambiguity, as he reveals his hidden agenda and his connection to Owen.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays Owen Michaels, Hannah’s husband and Bailey’s father, who has a secret identity and a dark past. Coster-Waldau is a famous and acclaimed actor, who is best known for his role as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones. Coster-Waldau brings out Owen’s charisma, complexity, and guilt, as he appears in flashbacks and reveals his motives and his feelings.
The show also features some special guest stars, who play important roles in the story. David Morse plays Nicholas Bell, Owen’s former father-in-law and Bailey’s grandfather, who is a lawyer and a leader of a mafia organization. Morse is a veteran and respected actor, who has appeared in films such as The Green Mile, The Hurt Locker, and World War Z. Morse brings out Bell’s power, menace, and ruthlessness, as he pursues Hannah and Bailey and tries to silence them.
Michael Hyatt plays Maris Anderson, an FBI agent who is in charge of the investigation of The Shop and Owen. Hyatt is a prolific and talented actress, who has appeared in shows such as The Wire, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Snowfall. Hyatt brings out Anderson’s professionalism, determination, and integrity, as she tries to solve the case and catch Owen.
The Writing and the Direction Create a Thrilling and Engaging Story
The show is written by Laura Dave and Josh Singer, who are also the creators and the executive producers of the show. Dave is the author of the novel that the show is based on, and Singer is an Oscar-winning screenwriter, who has written films such as Spotlight, The Post, and First Man. Dave and Singer have done a remarkable job of adapting the novel to the screen, and creating a thrilling and engaging story, that is faithful to the original source, but also adds new twists and turns.
The show is well-paced and well-structured, as it balances the present and the past, the action and the drama, and the suspense and the emotion. The show also has a witty and humorous dialogue, that reflects the characters’ personalities and relationships.
The show is directed by Olivia Newman, who is also an executive producer of the show. Newman is an award-winning director, who has directed films such as First Match and The Last Thing He Wanted. Newman has done an excellent job of directing the show, and creating a captivating and immersive visual style, that matches the tone and the mood of the story.
Newman uses a variety of techniques, such as close-ups, long shots, and handheld camera, to create a dynamic and realistic aesthetic, that enhances the tension and the emotion of the scenes. Newman also uses a rich and vibrant color palette, that contrasts the sunny and bright California, with the dark and gloomy Texas, where Owen’s secrets are hidden.
The Last Thing He Told Me is a Must-Watch Miniseries
The Last Thing He Told Me is a must-watch miniseries, that offers a thrilling and touching story, that will keep the viewers hooked and moved. The show has a stellar cast, a brilliant writing, and a stunning direction, that make it one of the best shows of the year. The show is available to stream on Apple TV+, and it has seven episodes, each lasting about 40 minutes.
The show is suitable for mature audiences, as it contains violence, language, and some sexual content. The show is a perfect choice for fans of mystery, drama, and thriller genres, and for anyone who enjoys a good story.
