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The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair

Writer: trekytekytrekyteky
5 min read


Book cover of "La Vérité sur l'Affaire Harry Quebert" by Joël Dicker. Features a quiet street with vintage buildings and an Esso sign.
picture of a pretty town in america

The novel is set in a coastal New Hampshire town (called Aurora in the original version and Somerset in the English translation). The protagonist, Marcus Goldman, is a successful young novelist who needs inspiration for his next book.


Marcus heads to New Hampshire to stay with his college professor, Harry Quebert, to focus on his writing. When the body of Nola Kellergan is found 33 years after she went missing and Quebert is accused of her murder, Marcus works to uncover the truth.


The result of his investigation becomes his next book. The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair is a thrilling drama miniseries based on the best-selling novel by Joël Dicker.


The show, which aired in 2018, is set around a gripping mystery that unravels a murder from 1975 involving a renowned author, Harry Quebert, and a young girl, Nola Kellergan. While the series itself delves deep into layers of intrigue and manipulation, the performances of the actors truly bring it to life. Here's I would like to talk about the main actors and how they contribute to the atmosphere of the show:


Patrick Dempsey as Harry Quebert


Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role as Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy, takes on a completely different kind of character here. As the brilliant, yet deeply flawed, author Harry Quebert, Dempsey conveys a nuanced performance, capturing the inner turmoil and desperation of his character. His portrayal of Quebert is full of charm and vulnerability, making it difficult for the audience to determine whether he's guilty or just an innocent man wrongly accused.


Character Depth: The show requires Dempsey to balance being enigmatic yet sympathetic, and he does so effortlessly. His subtle expressions and the emotional weight he carries make Harry Quebert a compelling central figure, whose fate drives the mystery forward. Dempsey truly shines in moments where his guilt and innocence are in constant flux, drawing viewers in.

Ben Schnetzer as Marcus Goldman


Ben Schnetzer plays Marcus Goldman, the main character, a young brilliant writer who is trying to uncover the truth behind the murder of Nola Kellergan, which intrudes into his mentor, Harry Quebert's, past. Schnetzer does an excellent job of portraying a character that is both curious and skeptical, supportive and is the anchor for the audience as they try to piece together the mysteries of the plot. His dynamics with Dempsey's Quebert is one of the show's strongest elements.


As the 10 episode series progresses, Schnetzer's character evolves from a naive writer into a determined sort of criminal investigator. His portrayal reflects Marcus's growing obsession with the case, as he begins to unravel his mentor's deepest secrets. Schnetzer’s chemistry with Dempsey is so intense and their scenes together add layers of complexity, especially when trust is tested.


Investigating the disappearance of 15 year old Nola Kellergan while trying to help his old mentor and friend Harry Quebert is the symbolic form of his journey that takes him to self-actualization. Through learning how the little town he is vacationing works on the one hand, and on the other witnessing the brutal milieu of the publishing industry, he grows to understand his position relative to those two environments. Revealing the truth behind the curtain of the crimes and behind the bluster of his publisher’s demands frees him to pursue his art and his life in a new and mature way.


Marcus is as self-doubting and unsure of himself as he is impatient and arrogant on the outside. This discrepancy forms the major arc of his character’s journey: He has to learn to accept himself without pretense and conceit, and learn the truth about his own nature, and this will allow him to become the best writer (and man) he can be.



Kristin Kreuk as Nola Kellergan


Kristin Kreuk plays Nola Kellergan, the young girl whose tragic death lies at the heart of the mystery. While her screen time is limited due to the nature of the story, Kreuk's portrayal of Nola is striking and haunting. She captures the essence of a girl caught in a complicated and dangerous relationship, making Nola's fate both sad and intriguing.


Kreuk’s role is crucial for the mystery’s tension. Her relationship with Harry Quebert is a key part of the story, and she brings an unsettling presence that makes Nola’s death all the more tragic. Kreuk effectively conveys the complexity of Nola's character through her minimal but powerful scenes, leaving a lasting impression. Was she possesed or maybe had a duel personality, you decide.


Virginia Madsen as Tamara Quinn


Virginia Madsen plays Tamara Quinn, a character whose own dark secrets are revealed as the story progresses. Madsen, brings a cool, calculated energy to the role, portraying a character who is both alluring and manipulative. Her performance is captivating and adds a sense of mystery to the narrative.


Tamaras character has Complexity because she is a woman of many layers, she is initially shown as a seductress, but her true motives slowly come to light. Madsen masterfully portrays the unraveling of Tamara's character, adding an element of danger and unpredictability. Her chemistry with Dempsey is compelling, and their interactions always feel charged with tension.


Carmen Ejogo as Sarah


Performance: Carmen Ejogo plays Sarah, a character who plays a significant role in Marcus’s investigation. Ejogo brings a calm and collected energy to the show, but she also manages to convey vulnerability and depth, particularly as her relationship with Marcus develops. Her performance adds emotional weight, providing a sense of grounded reality amid the convoluted mystery.


While Sarah isn't at the center of the mystery, Ejogo’s character acts as a moral compass for Marcus. She brings a layer of humanity to the otherwise intense atmosphere of the series, offering support and wisdom when needed.


The Supporting Cast


The supporting cast also does a remarkable job in bringing the world of The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair to life. From the eccentric townsfolk to the people involved in the investigation, every character adds to the complexity of the mystery. Their performances, while not as prominent, complement the main actors well and contribute to the overall tension of the show.


In August 2017, Epix and MGM Television announced that production for a 10-episode TV series named after the book was underway. Principal photography started in mid-August in Forestville, Canada and moved to Montreal in September to finish production in December.[12] On 6 April 2018, 35 minutes of scenes from the series premiered at Canneseries, the television festival held in Cannes, France, each year. In the United States, the premier occurred on Epix on 4 September 2018, and the 10-episode show concluded its run on 6 November 2018. American actor Patrick Dempsey played Harry Quebert, while Ben Schnetzer, Damon Wayans Jr. and Virginia Madsen played other roles.[13]


Conclusion


The actors in The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair are a major driving force behind the show's success. Patrick Dempsey’s portrayal of the conflicted author, Ben Schnetzer’s transformation from a curious writer to a relentless investigator, and the emotional depth brought by the rest of the cast elevate the narrative from a typical mystery into a compelling exploration of guilt, truth, and moral ambiguity. The performances of the ensemble cast make the series worth watching, drawing you into the intricate web of secrets, lies, and human complexities that define the story. The best thing about this, you will never guess who did it until the very end.


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