Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan Lead Another Solid Heist Thriller: 12 on Apple TV Series Review
A heist across three timelines
The series begins episodes with Strickland explaining the heist’s 12-month, 12-hour and 12-day rule. It then divides each episode among planning, execution and the aftermath.
An ensemble behind the plan
Agathe Rousselle plays Severine, while Jack Kesy is Bobby and Jeanne Balibar is Bazin. Sallie Harmsen plays Strickland’s Swiss partner Lena, and José García portrays Severine’s father, Serge.
The crew also includes Hildegard Schroedter as bank ally Gunda, Julius Feldmeier as contortionist Albrech and Kali Reis as train expert Kira. Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble created and executive produced the series; Kari Skogland directs multiple episodes.
Structure brings strengths and limits
The review praises the show’s steady revelation of new information and its confident direction, but says the timelines could look more distinct. It also finds the holiday setting insufficiently prominent and the overall visual approach consistent.
The planning timeline effectively shows how the job comes together, while the heist’s complications lose force because viewers know the crew gets out of the vault. The review says the final three episodes gain momentum, and describes the 12 days after the robbery as the most compelling timeline.
Key points
- The series divides its story among 12 months of planning, 12 hours of execution and 12 days afterward.
- Jamie Dornan plays thief Paul Galvin, while Anthony Mackie portrays FBI agent Jack Strickland.
- The review praises the unfolding details but says foreknowledge weakens tension during the heist.
- The aftermath is described as the show’s most compelling timeline.