Watch The Twelve

The Twelve is a gripping Belgian crime drama TV series that premiered on October 31, 2019, on the Flemish-speaking Belgian public broadcaster, een. The series was created by Sanne Nuyens and Bert Van Dael and produced by Eyeworks Film & TV Drama. The Twelve consists of 10 episodes and tells the story of a controversial murder trial, involving twelve jurors who are tasked with deciding the fate of a school principal named Frie Palmers, played by Maaike Neuville. Frie is accused of killing her best friend and daughter, who were both members of a children's choir. Although Frie is presumed innocent until proven guilty, her life and relationships are exposed and scrutinized during the trial, complicating the jurors' decision.

The jurors come from various walks of life, including a horse breeder, a single mother, a factory worker, a former teacher, a soldier, a business owner, and more. Each of them is dealing with personal problems and secrets that may affect their judgment and the outcome of the trial. The jurors struggle to remain impartial and are torn between their duty to uphold justice and their empathy towards Frie, who faces life imprisonment if convicted.

Luc De Ruelle plays Stefaan De Munck, the prosecutor tasked with convincing the jury of Frie's guilt. Stefaan is a rigid and ambitious lawyer, who believes in the power of evidence and logic. He clashes with Frie's defense attorney, Johan Van Der Bruggen, played by Tom Vermeir, who has a more emotional and empathetic approach to the case. Despite their different styles and philosophies, both lawyers are determined to win the trial and protect their clients.

The Twelve explores various themes such as justice, truth, morality, and the human condition. It delves deep into the jurors' psyche and personal lives, as well as the victim's and suspect's past. It raises questions about the reliability of witnesses, the influence of media, the pressure of public opinion, and the flaws and biases of the justice system. It also exposes the fragility and complexity of human relationships, especially in times of crisis and tragedy.

The acting in The Twelve is outstanding, with each of the ensemble cast delivering nuanced and convincing performances. The characters are well-written and developed, with enough depth and complexity to keep the audience engaged and guessing. The cinematography and score are also noteworthy, creating a dark and moody atmosphere that reflects the intensity and weight of the trial.

The Twelve received critical acclaim and high ratings in Belgium and other countries, such as France and Germany. It was nominated for several awards, including the International Emmy for Best Drama Series, and won the Belgian TV Award for Best Belgian TV Series 2019 as well as the Prix Europa for Best TV Series of the year.

Overall, The Twelve is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and legal thrillers who appreciate intelligent writing, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes. It tackles a difficult and sensitive subject matter with sensitivity and intelligence, and leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.

The Twelve is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between November 3, 2019 and on een