MANHUNT -- Gripping Conspiracy Thriller Puts Unique Spin on Historical Drama

Review by Sean Boelman

Anthony Boyle in "Manhunt," premiering March 15, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Historical drama series are a dime a dozen, especially ones set during the Civil War era. As such, it takes a lot for an entry into the genre to stand out. The new Apple TV+ miniseries Manhunt is incredibly entertaining, offering a unique, cinematic vision of a story that has been told dozens of times before.

Based on the nonfiction novel by James L. Swanson, Manhunt is set in the days and weeks following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln as the Union attempts to rebuild itself after the biggest tragedy in the country’s history to that point. Although it may not sound like the most exciting story on paper, sharp writing and skilled direction make it effective. 

Most of the show plays out like a thriller, following the US government as they attempt to track down John Wilkes Booth and Booth as he goes on the lam, hoping to become a “hero” for his actions. Although we know how the story will end, it unfolds in a way that is consistently gripping and refreshingly entertaining in a notoriously dry genre.

Beyond the show’s main storyline, uncovering the conspiracy behind the assassination, it also explores Reconstruction. This subplot feels like an afterthought for the first few episodes, but as the show settles into its rhythm, the pieces fall nicely into place. The final episode weaves together this storyline with the main thriller aspects.

Brandon Flynn and Tobias Menzies in "Manhunt," premiering March 15, 2024 on Apple TV+.

Tobias Menzies’s performance as Secretary of War Edwin Stanton is unexpectedly brilliant. He has a gripping screen presence, much like the leads of virtually every classic procedural thriller. And although he only has a handful of scenes, Hamish Linklater’s performance as the President has a deep, undeniable humanity.

On the antagonists’ side, Anthony Boyle gives a performance as Booth that strikes an effective balance between unhinged and calculated. To see a series told partially from the perspective of a massively racist murderer is a potentially concerning prospect; however, Boyle’s performance is so hateable, along with those of supporting cast members like Matt Walsh, that its message is never lost.

From a technical standpoint, the show is mostly very strong. There are a few moments — most noticeably in the first episode — where the use of green screen is obvious and slightly distracting. However, the production design, costume design, and hair and make-up work are all on-point, capturing the period setting of the Civil War era.

While exploring the story of Lincoln’s assassination as a crime procedural may be a glaringly obvious idea, there’s no denying how effective the approach is for Manhunt. Everyone — from the writers to the directors and the cast — is in peak form here, allowing this to be an early contender for one of the year's best new shows.

Manhunt streams on Apple TV+ on March 15 with two episodes, with new episodes streaming on subsequent Fridays. All seven episodes reviewed.

Rating: 5/5