The story, inspired by real events, follows the fortunes of the family of Michael Peterson (Colin Firth) from North Carolina and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of his wife Kathleen Peterson (Toni Collette). The seemingly perfect family, which includes descendants Todd (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Clayton (Dane DeHaan), Caitlin (Olivia DeJonge) Peterson, and adoptees Margaret and Martha Ratliff (Sophie Turner and Odessa Young), is subject to disintegration in an instant. Kathleen’s death opens a Pandora’s box in which Michael hides both small and major lies and secrets. They face their exposure and suspicion of murder. Will the family survive the ordeal? And is Michael himself a monster or an ordinary man caught in the snares of the American justice system?
The story, inspired by true events, follows the fortunes of the family of Michael Peterson from North Carolina and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson. | HBO Max
The Staircase miniseries is definitely one of the best that HBOMax offered in May, for several reasons. One of the essential ones is the cast. Although Harrison Ford was originally considered for the title role of Michael, the final casting of Colin Firth is definitely pleasing. The chemistry between him and Toni Collette is telling at moments when their marriage is an enviable cocktail of mutual attraction, partnership, friendship and understanding, and at moments of the opposite. Both are a guarantee of superior acting. But they are superbly complemented by young actors.
The excellent Dane DeHaan, who drew attention to himself already in the film Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Sophie Turner, who we know here mainly as Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones (2011-2019). Also Olivia DeJongeová, Odessa Youngová and also the son of the famous Arnie, Patrick Schwarzenegger, whom Czech viewers had the opportunity to meet in the romantic film Midnight Sun (2018). This time he proves that he is capable of a much more dramatic and mature speech, just like the others. The acting ensemble is topped off by the legend Juliette Binoche in the role of Sophie Brunetová, the editor of the French documentary filmmakers who want to record the development of Michael’s case.
The story, inspired by true events, follows the fortunes of the family of Michael Peterson from North Carolina and the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson. | HBO Max
The entire miniseries alternates several positions. A pleasant story about the union of a consistent writer and a loving wife working in a corporation. Their everyday worries and joys connected with their offspring, who look up to them both. But the other side of the coin reveals the dark sides of Clayton’s son’s past as well as the tragedies in the daughters’ lives. In a menacing spirit, he reveals the events that took place before and after Kathleen’s tragic death. But then there is also room for rawer storytelling, fascinating in its authenticity and content. It proves that the best-functioning family and its members can hide practically anything. Another position, or rather a line, is the possibility to observe the functioning of the American judicial system, supposedly the best in the world. How the foundations of a case to go to court are gradually laid out. As it is sometimes decided before the meeting itself. How little is enough for your life to be fenced off for many years, maybe for life.
Watch the trailer for the miniseries:
Most of the eight episodes were directed by Antonio Campos, the creator of the “thrilling gothic story” The Devil (2020), which, together with an equally stellar cast, was a success with the audience. He presents his vision of events that became tragic for almost all of their actors. He doesn’t judge, he doesn’t guide, in short he just offers different levels from which the viewer has to choose himself. And the creators are clearly getting his attention. The Staircase miniseries comes at a time when viewers’ interest is focused on a number of documentaries about true crimes and makes a great addition to their collection. It’s alive, it’s rough, as it’s been said, it’s real. The more than eight-hour meeting with the heroes of the Staircase is so easy to get under the skin.
Rating: 85%
Staircase
Drama / Crime, USA, 2022, approx. 63 min. / part
Czech premiere: 5/5/2022, HBO Max
Credits: Antonio Campos, Leigh Janiak • Scenery: Antonio Campos, Maggie Cohn, Emily Kaczmarek • Camera: Lyle Vincent • Cover: Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans.
Hrají: Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Sophie Turner, Juliette Binoche, Rosemarie DeWitt, Parker Posey, Josh Drennen, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dane DeHaan, Odessa Young, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Vincent Vermignon, Olivia DeJonge and others.