The Twelve (2022– ) User Reviews

liked it but I'm left confused

[puredaydream · 8/10 · 14 September 2022]

I think the overall show was nice. Nice cinematography, decent script and acting (Sam Neill in particular was amazing).

I do have two problems with The Twelve though.

Firstly, Vanessa was unbelievably irritating. She would get pissed off at people for no solid reason. I get it, you may disagree with people but for God's sake let them be; you can't change them anyway.

She was an annoyingly woke SJW who only focused on dumb, trivial things.

Lastly, what's up with the ending? Now please bear with me as I'm trying to make sense of it.

I don't understand why Kate and Diane didn't just simply tell the police that Claire had accidentally strangled herself. That would've been the easiest thing to do instead of going about it the way they did, hiding things, lying etc. They could have given the police the negatives as proof it was an accident.

I mean why did they hide the truth? Kate said it was because she was scared she was gonna be accused of killing her niece given her past but look what happened. She was still found guilty! She also said Diane was scared the police would uncover the truth about what had happened in 1992 had they revealed the truth but since it was a pretty well-hidden secret, maybe they wouldn't have? Just like they didn't in the trial either.

Also, why would Kate and Diane hide the negatives unless Kate was found guilty? Why did Diane end up burning them?

The only 'plausible' explanation I can think of is this. Diane and Kate hid the truth because they were scared Kate was gonna be accused of killing her niece given her mental health diagnosis and her dark art/past. They were scared the 1992 case would be dug up again and the truth would come out about how Kate had accidentally killed Belinda and how her siblings had covered for her. That might have got them all in trouble. They might have thought that denying any involvement in Claire's death would acquit her since there was no body (which Kate had disposed of probably for that reason).

Kate and Diane agreed they would use the negatives as proof only if Kate was found guilty but during the trials Diane found out Kate had a secret affair with Nathan (Diane's ex husband) while married as well as after the divorce and so she decided to take revenge on her for sleeping with Nathan, having killed Belinda and maybe her past antics/odd behaviour by burning them?

Also, why did Nathan lie so much? What was he trying to hide?

Full of unpleasant characters trying to lie their ways through life.

[mikehole · 7/10 · 17 August 2022]

I am enjoying this series though it is a bit drawn out. There is some good acting - Sam Neil, Kate Mulvany and a few others.

I find it hard to connect with a lot of the characters. Largely because they make such obviously bad decisions so often and try to cover up their tracks most of the time. It gets a bit predictable.

There have been quite a few twists and turns, most of which are implied an episode or so before they are revealed, making them less impactful when we find out.

It has a classic Australian feel to it, though I would love to see some Aussie drama that has characters that represent a smarter, more self aware side of the Australian psyche.

Too long too many holes in script and too many characters

[tm-sheehan · 6/10 · 24 August 2022]

My Rating. 6/10

Streaming on Foxtel

I stuck with this overlong drawn out 10 part series that in my view fails on a number of counts that don't thankfully include the performances of some of Australia's finest actors .

The Twelve is based on a Belgian series of the same name De Twaalf, it will be interesting if I can track the Belgian version down to compare with this Australian version as I wasn't overly impressed by this effort.

The first issue for me is the story plot or " plotlets " subplots if you prefer as there are in my opinion far too many holes which I cant write about as it would include spoilers except to say they are not resolved satisfactorily in the long awaited final tenth instalment.

The focus is more on the stories of the members of the jury and their dysfunctional and rather uninteresting lives than the more interesting characters actually involver in the crime that they are being asked to deliver a verdict on .

Kate Lawson a contemporary Artist played by Kate Mulvany is on trial for the murder of her niece Claire who she obviously loved dearly be it in a bizarre and possesive fashion.

Teenage Clair is a willing subject for her Aunts erotic themed art photography gradually becoming Aunt Kate's muse .

One fateful night Clair disappears with no trace or any body being found prompting suspicion and eventually leading to her Aunt with very minimal evidence becoming the prime suspect in her niece's disappearance and being charged with murder.

Questions to be answered are has Clair really been murdered or did she just run away after a confrontation with her Aunt ? More importantly did her Aunt Kate commit the crime ? That is the question for "The Twelve " members of this jury to answer ?

I'll say one thing if I ever found myself on trial for any crime I would hate to have this 12 dysfunctional group of misfits on my case .

The jury selection process involved in choosing this lot must have malfunctioned that day .

I think that's one of the problems with the script it's far more involved with the carry on of the 12 jurors as they commit every conceivable breech of behaviour possible that would have them thrown our of the Court room.

They are not interesting enough characters to warrant ten long episodes . The Twelve turns into more of a soap opera than a courtroom drama .

I did enjoy the performances though of most of the cast to many to mention but include Sam Neil as Brett Colby QC the Defence Attorney, Marta Düsseldorp as Lucy Bloom QC the Prosecutor, and good supporting actors including Jenni Baird as Diane Lawson , Claire's very odd mother .

The Twelve is entertaining but it's a big time investment over produced and over Directed with 4 Directors and a team of 8 writers that seem to have forgotten to stick to a cohesive script that flows to a satisfactory climax .

I'm reminded of the classic 1957 movie 12 Angry Men starring Henry Fonda about the similar story of a jury in a New York City murder trial that is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.

In 96 drama packed minutes that film with one Director Sidney Lumet and one screenplay writer Reginald Rose managed to achieve what this series The Twelve doesn't come anywhere near to in over 430 minutes.

Imperfect but well worth watching - with a little patience.

[pkertes-59666 · 7/10 · 26 September 2022]

This 10 part miniseries about a murder trial where there is no body and a suppressed backstory is really more about the lives of the jurors, how the trial (and other jurors) impact them and how it informs their thoughts about the case.

There are many characters with concurrent and intersecting stories on each, as well as the trial itself. Some are more convincing than others and especially in the first 4-5 episodes, it was a little slow going at times and I wondered if some of the scenes were even relevant. Perhaps it needed a bit of trimming to maybe 8 episodes to tighten it up a little.

The script is decent and occasionally brilliant, especially in the second half of the series. The acting is variable - Brooke Satchwell shines as juror Georgina, who portrays wrestling with her personal circumstances perfectly - although generally the standard is at least competent. Sam Neil is his usual urbane excellent self as the defence attorney although interestingly there is no personal story attached to either prosecutor or defence.

The ultimate trial outcomes may be the epitome of injustice when taken on face value, but on reflection maybe the right results were achieved, even if the methods to get there were highly flawed. If this was intentional, then it's worth an extra star!

One thing though - if all juries are like these people, best not to come before one!

Enjoyable with some great acting

[amandawellgreen · 7/10 · 18 September 2022]

Loved some of the actors in this story. About two episodes too long. Really enjoyed the jurors stories but the weakness, for me, was the crime itself. They spent so long building it up that it felt quite flat when it finally reached its conclusion. Thought the impact of the trial on the jurors is a relevant and interesting angle that they could have focused on more and less about whodunnit.

Great chemistry between Marta and Sam. And overall enjoyable but not perfect viewing. Quality Australian drama.

And whoever styled the art dealer should be shot - such a cliche. Those scarves were ridiculous.

Ignore some of the reviews here.

[cmgilliford · 9/10 · 2 September 2022]

First, this is a remake of a European series.

I haven't finished watching this but have to suggest not reading low score posts on here. Whiny little boys or man babies. Australia is a multicultural society that, on the whole, appreciates the difference in people.

To read some of these comments you would believe Australia is from a long time ago when being a different colour was frowned upon.

Personally, I'd love the bigots on here to go away but sadly they won't so just give it a go.

Great acting on the whole. Script was fine. Characters played their parts well. I may be giving a better score just to try to balance things. Love it or hate it just don't take any notice of the naysayers.

Too much. Not enough.

[svjvdbqm · 6/10 · 2 August 2022]

I don't know if this show has taken on too much. I like the snapshot of modern Australia but the episodes are too long and drawn out and achieve nothing to build on the character arcs or carry the plot. At the moment they're exploring about six story lines featuring trouble women who battle BPD, complex trauma, PTSD, DV & alcoholism. On the other side they're tackling misogynists, addiction, racism and abusive / over protective fathers. This is all centred around a murder trial contrast against a historic murder by a guy that was maybe wrongly accused? Despite being so plot heavy the show makes absolutely no comment on Australia's the justice system, the entire centre of the show - Crazy right? I think this would have been better off as a two hour movie we are seven episodes in and have achieved absolutely nothing in terms of character development or wherever the hell this story is going.

Two episodes in and I'm hooked

[cfe05208 · 8/10 · 29 June 2022]

I must admit I wasn't sold on this but thought why not.

It slowly delves into the personal relationships of the jurors who are over seeing the murder of a young 14 year old girl whose auntie is on trial for the crime.

I'm not usually a Brooke Satchwell fan at all, and I'm actually enjoying her in this.

The relationships are slow winding, and 2 eps it I think it'll be a ripper. I thoroughly enjoyed Mare of Eastown 'feels' a lot like that.

The verdict is....

[tartes4 · 7/10 · 23 August 2022]

Well it was a long and painful wait, with some cringeworthy bits but overall the outcome was worth it. Quite satisfying on a few accounts. Would not like to be on a murder trial after watching this!

Cringe

[mdawg9 · 2/10 · 19 July 2022]

The show so far is unfortunately really cringeworthy. It feels like a high school drama performance. There is absolutely no subtlety; the upcoming conflict between the heavily stereotyped and one dimensional jurors is glaringly obvious (presumably the hipster lesbian will conflict with the old people, the brunette femme fatale has a dark secret, all is not as it seems in Georgina's "perfect" life, the old people will be boringly conservative and won't be able to fathom the funky photographer and her unconventional "cool aunt" ways). It's so heavy handed and overdone. The conflict between Diane and the dad's new wife was weirdly comical. Why is Australian TV always like this :(

Fantastic! But not the ending

[lbowdls · 8/10 · 17 August 2022]

I can't believe the reviews on here. This show is brilliant and riveting, honestly the best Australian drama limited series I've ever seen. I'm up to episode 9. And each episode brings up an OMG moment. Fantastic acting too, not just by the brilliant Sam Neill but absolutely everyone in the cast. It's a mystery and courtroom drama with a twist by focusing on jurors as well as the case of that is before the court. I both cannot wait for the finale as well as being disappointed it will be over. I've had adjust my rating because unfortunately I did dislike how it ended. It was completely unfair. Not sure if they're hoping for a sequel. But either way it's disappointing.

Not exactly brilliant...

[annelouisebidstrup · 6/10 · 28 August 2022]

This drama goes on WAY too long, with far too many characters and subplots. Although there is some outstanding acting (Sam Neill as always, Brooke Satchwell a real surprise, and the guy who plays the horrible Jamie), it's not enough to carry this show over the line.

If they had made the characters have far more interesting lives, or at least cut down the number of subplots, they could have done a lot more. Some of the sub stories are quite interesting and you actually do want to find out the end result, but the silly developing romances - young and old - are ridiculous and make the show seem more like a soap opera than a drama!

The worst part about it is how ridiculously woke the whole thing is - it completely wrecks the show for me because I despise having minority causes shoved down my throat. I watch TV as an escape from all the rubbish in the news, from all the causes-of-the-day and from being constantly told what to say and how to think. I don't like having it so blatantly paraded in front of me during an Australian television series - I thought us Aussies were better than that.

I'm only hanging in there for the finale where, I assume, there will be a verdict! Or, better still, a proper wrap up to all of the random plot lines!

Only 1 Episode in, but...

[efd-10467 · 5/10 · 22 June 2022]

Sam Neil is excellent, some of the scene set ups and dialogue have that quintessential Aussie look & feel.

But I'm over dramas being centred on over emotional damaged women and in Episode 1, I think I got to 6.

It's become the modern 'go to' for writers, let's use the crime/drama mode to unearth a woman's issues guide book and be modern, it can get boring so I hope the crime & the legal side of things get a look in.

We cover lesbians, aboriginal issues, domestic violence, feminism, multi cultural issues, the modern media daily grind, all in Ep 1, I hope at some point it moves on and has some mystery or connection rather than attempting to portray Sydney and every modern issue known.

Disappointing

[russellharvy-39017 · 6/10 · 12 August 2022]

Despite starring Sam Neill this yet another uninspiring Australian production just doesn't cut it.

Poor writing and some mediocre performances. A shame that the era of great Australian productions is long gone.

hit and miss

[fangfluffy · 6/10 · 24 March 2023]

Brooke Satchwell was excellent in this, as was Sam Neil.

Unfortunately the courtroom scenes were not very realistic and whilst I understand the idea is to create dramatic tension, the behaviour of the Crown Prosecutor was just ludicrous. This character was very badly written in my opinion and should have drawn comment from the jury about how unprofessional she was. There would have been a jury discharge on the judge's own motion many times over.

There were numerous giant plot holes and whilst there was ultimately some kind of resolution, it was not particularly satisfying to the audience in my opinion.

Sadly, a bit of a waste of time watching this overlong melodrama.

I'm hooked

[vankesteren · 9/10 · 9 July 2022]

Really enjoying this Australian series,fabulous story line and interesting to see how the jurist interact with each other. Sam Neill, Marta Dusseldorp, Jenni Baird and Kate Mulvany give a really too performance.

Please remember,YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

[georgepearson-84780 · 8 February 2023]

Because of the inclusion of the great Sam Neill, I was really looking forward to this Mini-Series as it were. I refuse point blank to give this drivel any stars whatsoever, and if it were allowed I'd give it a MINUS, we have enough trash coming out from DISNEY, without this BS.

I'm truly sorry to the people, i.e. Family and friends of the producers, cast and crew, that have given this garbage 8 or more stars (They would be the only one's to do so), why do we have to have all the expletives (Not family friendly), also the phoney copulation, with the guy completely NAKED and the woman FULLY CLOTHED, I mean come on people this is as bad as the baby being born in NEIGHBOURS, with the woman delivering through HER TIGHTS, also why the Lesbians, Vegans etc. WOKISM AUSTRALIA????

Is Claire really dead?

[potfilmer · 6/10 · 14 October 2022]

Did I hallucinate a scene somewhere in the middle, maybe episode 6? There is a flashback to the night of the disappearance showing Kate taking the wheelbarrow to the shore to load something on to a boat. It is revealed that Claire is indeed in the wheelbarrow, but alive! Is this a plot wherein Kate is helping Claire disappear? I honestly expected Claire to pop up in the fianl epside to make a mockery of thre whole trial, but Kate confesses to her lawyer that Claire had accidentally died and she had hidden the body. IS she still covering up Claire running away to her own detriment? I haven't seen any other review commenting on this anomaly so maybe I need to watch certain episode again to see if this is all correct!

Great stories. Great Actors

[sophieodonnell-80275 · 8/10 · 6 July 2022]

It's been very captivating with great acting. It points to numerous social issues that should start conversations. I'm excited to see how it all plays out. It's been very captivating with great acting. It points to numerous social issues that should start conversations. I'm excited to see how it all plays out.

... a bit of a challenge will keep you thinking for awhile after

[bjarias · 6/10 · 2 July 2023]

... a large cast with lots of overlapping storylines.. then add in another timeline coming-going and there's bound to be some confusion... cast is overall solid and the show's production values never falter... it is long as several reviewers have mentioned, yet that alone is not a huge detriment... final episode unpacked quite a lot and watching it again might be of some benefit... does she get what she "deserves" or is she winding up as victim of her own guilt ridden conscience

... this genre has quite a few entries and this one probably falls for many within the more positive grouping... really not one a-must-see, but not to-be-avoided either.

Boring stereotypes

[rhyss-53011 · 3/10 · 13 October 2022]

The murder case itself is interesting. I wish the focus had have been on that and in half the time. The jury however is just so boring and stereotypical.

The aboriginal boy being targeted by police. The domestic violence victim too scared to speak up. The white people refusing to eat the middle eastern food. It's all so easy and stereotypical, these characters needed more dimensions. Not only that, it's called "The Twelve" but half the jury are nothing more than background characters. An old lady who can't sleep at night. An overweight woman. An older "hippy" type. That's as deep as they go.

Has potential but missed the mark.

Fantastic show!

[shenayreynolds · 10/10 · 23 August 2022]

This show was super interesting, always something going on & never boring! It's interesting to see everyone's lives, as well as the story line of Kate.

The acting & storyline was great, please make more series or a season 2!

Interesting premise

[deliabattie · 6/10 · 15 March 2023]

The premise of concentrating on the 12 members of the jury and how being involved in a trial affects their personal lives is interesting. However, this programme didn't quite work for me. The jurors became involved in each other's personal lives far too quickly to the extent it seemed as though they didn't all have wider friend groups and lives outside of the jury. There was too much over the top drama going on in the juror's lives - manslaughter, spousal abuse, missing children, mental health crises, police brutality, bribery etc etc. It would have worked better if the jurors were more normal people with smaller personal dramas and the criminality had been reserved for the case on trial.

Ultimately, however, I think the reason the show did not live up to the promise of its premise is that the crime on trial was not interesting or complex enough. Realistically, I didn't believe a case with so little evidence, no body etc., would have even gone to trial let alone managed to convince a jury that there was no reasonable doubt. There wasn't really any evidence any crime had been committed, let alone murder. The accused woman was so unpleasant to watch and the backstory of the crime really voyeuristic and grimy. The niece and aunt relationship didn't ring true and it was hard to engage with or really care when the truth was finally revealed at the end.

Little bit disappointing

[amusedsim · 4/10 · 11 August 2022]

Although a great cast and an especially great performance by Brooke Satchwell, eight episodes in and the story just isn't going anywhere. A whole heap of people with depressing lives and zero happiness. No outcomes or any slightly revealing information to keep you interested. So far they are nowhere near to solving the disappearance of the girl the story surrounds. I find myself looking at my phone more than paying attention to some of the irrelevant dialogue from the jurors and their so called opinions on the case. These last two episodes better be amazing as so far nothing has actually happened!

Raw and real

[Scampi1965 · 9/10 · 10 July 2022]

Understand what you are going to watch so you are ready for the onslaught of real world Australia. Clever and compelling viewing, thanks to an excellent score with terrific acting by all.

If you can't watch, it's only because you recognise how real some scenes are and that can make you squirm. A sign the story and acting has achieved its purpose.