The Twelve review: Sam Neill series is more than just another courtroom drama

Innocence is matter of opinion in new Aussie courtroom drama The Twelve — now streaming on ITVX — when fourteen people are asked to pass judgement.

Created by Sanne Nuyens and Bert Van Dael, this character driven social commentary piece asks audiences some deeply personal questions as the finer points are initially unpacked.

Professional artist Kate Lawson (Kate Mulvany) is on trial for murdering her niece Claire (Coco Jack Gillies), with no apparent motive, no incriminating evidence, and most importantly no dead body.

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Her defence lawyer Brett Colby (Sam Neill) and his associate Ezekiel Abu (Mandela Mathia) are tasked with convincing a jury that she is innocent. That her sister Diane (Jenni Baird) and brother-in-law Nathan (Matt Nable) have recently undergone an acrimonious divorce is just one piece in the puzzle which might have influenced current events.

Claire treated the relationship with Kate as a haven from emotional recriminations, becoming an integral part of her latest project. Afforded the freedom her parents never offered, this headstrong teenager sought solace and creative expression in an environment that encouraged individually. Within this safe space, photographs were taken, videos recorded, and restrictions lifted. That is until Claire disappeared, police arrived, and shortly afterwards Kate Lawson was arrested.

However, for audiences who take one look at The Twelve and write it off as just another courtroom drama — think again. In almost every conceivable sense, it seeks to do away with dry dialogue, expositional segues, and last-minute revelations. Instead, this series neatly sidesteps sensationalism or shock tactics, by exploring both the accused, her accusers, and those chosen to draw a final conclusion.

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Each juror brings their own set of problems to the table, which may or may not colour their judgement when the time comes. Corrie D’Souza (Pallavi Sharda) is in mourning following the death of her parents. Left an enormous estate and untold wealth, she is hamstrung by grief and the weight of expectation which comes with their legacy.

Alexi Menelaus (Damien Strouthos) and his bother Flip (Ben Mingay) own a construction which they are in the final stages of selling off. Alexi is the more business minded between them, while his brother prefers getting jobs done by bending a few rules. For both Corrie and Alexi, jury service could not have come at a worse time.

For Georgina Merrick (Brooke Satchwell) the pressures come from a different direction, as a passively aggressive relationship, overbearing husband, and three children leave her emotionally strung out. Elsewhere, university student Jarrod (Ngali Shaw) is trying to maintain the demands of evening classes, alongside his moral obligations as a court appointed juror. A balancing act which is made no easier when police arrest him for no discernible reason, following a cycling accident on his way home.

In truth, much of what makes The Twelve such an exceptional slice of drama, comes down to how creators Sanne Nuyen and Bert Van Dael address social issues. Aside from the emotional push and pull of a character driven piece, which has as much to say in the courtroom as out, each of these jurors feels relatable in real terms.

Stand outs from this diverse ensemble include Brendan Cowell (Avatar: The Way of Water), who turns the self-interest of Garry Thorne into something far more tragic, while headliner Kate Mulvany (Elvis) conveys the various facets of Kate Lawson without losing her audience. Not only does she tackle a potentially contentious role with an understated assurance, but she also matches the bedrock presence of Sam Neill beat for beat during their time on screen.

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As the case itself gains momentum and more shades of grey immerge, both concerning those involved and others asked to decide, The Twelve really digs into evocative areas. Discussions around grooming, social media platforms, and what equates to consent in modern society comes to the fore. Debates around art are also implied, if not directly addressed, while the behaviour of certain jurors spills over quite forcibly into their personal lives. Bringing up a multitude of ideas which are all skilfully woven into the on-screen drama.

Honestly, there is nothing in The Twelve which has not been seen on screen before, either in cinematic terms or otherwise, but where this differs comes down to execution. This ITVX premiere is neither preaching from the pulpit nor seeking to change the world. Instead, it is simply pointing out the way attitudes could and should change, where matters of guilt or innocence are concerned.

That being said, whatever the opinions are when they finally reach their decision, there is no doubt The Twelve will continue to resonate long after those choices are made.

The Twelve is streaming on ITVX.