Manhunt: Review
By Sioph Leal
Abraham Lincoln’s accomplishments have been told through film many times but very few look at the aftermath of his death. Based on the New York Times bestseller from James L. Swanson, Manhunt is a gripping thriller that follows the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the conspiracy of it and the hunt for John Wilkes Booth. The series focuses on the twelve-day hunt for Booth (Anthony Boyle) and his co-conspirators as Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) gives everything to find them and complete Lincoln’s (Hamish Linklater) work. Through the seven episodes, we see the determination and morals of each figure in an expertly executed and emotional ride. While Lincoln’s career accomplishments are the ethos of the story, Manhunt focusing on the hunt and Lincoln’s legacy provides a gripping and emotional account.
The series is a cat and mouse hunt for Booth and the other conspirators, but it is the duality of the two men. The trailer almost framed Booth as a man on a mission, a renegade on the run in a charming and cool way but Manhunt does not shy away from the atrocious nature of Booth or glorify him in any way. Booth is shown to be egotistical, obsessed with being a symbol but has delusions of grandeur that run deep and cruel. Boyle does a remarkable job of staying the line between maniacal and calm but with a strong determination. The only thing Booth and Stanton share is their resolve.
Manhunt does not make light of Booth’s nature and in contrast to that, the heroic and resolve of Standon is the perfect duality to Booth. Stanton is constantly shown as honourable, pushing through illness and corruption to find Booth and finish the work Lincoln wanted. In him is also a man of deep regret for not saving his friend and president with a desire to do what is right, making a classic story of hero vs. villain but with a multitude of layers. There are two scenes that stand out, each one a dream of the hero and villain that show their inner psyches and is an exceptional choice at the two leads that guide the story. In one, we see Stanton save Lincoln from Booth and in another, we see his hurt and regret. In Booth’s, Stanton and Booth are at either side of a tree, hunting and hiding from each other. Stanton is approaching Booth before the latter is woken from the dream and even though there are no words, the threat comes through.
The twelve-day hunt runs through the seven episodes with expert precision that is a testament to the craft. With episode one having Lincoln’s assassination, the man’s presence is shown through flashbacks at differing points throughout. At first, the flashbacks are the only detriment to the story and comes as an odd choice but by the final episode, they deliver deep emotional hits that provide the emotional undertone of the series. It isn’t just Lincoln flashbacks that accomplish this but ones showing Mary Simms (Lovie Simone) past as a black slave taken from her family and abused by Mudd (Matt Walsh) provide a weight to the story and deliver in its final act.
Side characters like Mary are intertwined in the story perfectly; their stories are just as important as the assassination, showing the incredible courage and heart that Simone portrays with exquisite talent. Mary and Edwin’s moments in the final episode are gripping and give a resolution that was perfectly built up throughout the series run.
Manhunt shines a light on the deep conspiracy of Lincoln’s assassination. It is a perfectly crafted story with the quality Apple TV is known for. Not only is it strong in a visual aspect but the story is written in a way that grips you at every turn and accompanied with stellar performances from all cast members.
Manhunt premiers March 15th on Apple TV+.