The newly released trailer for '12 12 12' immediately establishes a grand scale, showcasing a sprawling European hunt and an intricately planned vault heist beneath the streets of Zurich. The series' premise centers on a disgraced FBI agent, played by Anthony Mackie, who is relentlessly pursuing a seasoned American criminal, portrayed by Jamie Dornan. Their intertwining paths are set against the backdrop of an audacious robbery, suggesting a thrilling blend of action and psychological tension.
What truly distinguishes '12 12 12' from other entries in the heist genre is its unique temporal concept. The narrative is structured around three distinct phases: the 12 months leading up to the heist's meticulous planning, the intense 12 hours during which the robbery unfolds, and the dramatic 12 days that follow the event. This fragmented approach hints at a non-linear storytelling style, keeping viewers on the edge as past, present, and future events potentially converge or diverge.
The trailer's visual language and narrative hints have already drawn comparisons to the work of Christopher Nolan, particularly his films Inception, The Dark Knight, and Tenet. Shots featuring snow-covered pursuits evoke Inception's mountain sequences, while a masked heist scene appears to echo the iconic opening of The Dark Knight. The series' ambitious temporal structure and pulsing musical score further solidify these perceived influences, suggesting a sophisticated and intellectually engaging thriller.
Created by Dudi Appleton and Jim Keeble, '12 12 12' boasts a strong ensemble cast alongside its two leads. Joining Mackie and Dornan are Jack Kesy (The Strain), Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Severance), and French actress Agathe Rousselle, known for her breakout role in Julia Ducournau's Titane. The series also benefits from a robust directorial team, with episodes helmed by Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, House of Cards), Takeshi Fukunaga (Tokyo Vice, Shogun), and Ellen Kuras (Ozark, Legion).
With 8 episodes in total, '12 12 12' is poised to be a significant release for Apple TV+. The first two episodes are scheduled to premiere on November 13, with subsequent episodes rolling out weekly until the finale on December 25. Given Apple's reputation for high production values and compelling storytelling, '12 12 12' is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of intricate crime dramas and adrenaline-fueled thrillers.