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The Twelve (2022)

TV show50mins

IMDb6.8/ 10CTV score7.3/ 10

Where to watch The Twelve in Australia

All seasons may not be available on every service.

Streaming availability data from JustWatch.

About The Twelve

The story of 12 ordinary Australians who are selected for jury duty in a murder trial as traumatising as it is controversial, in which a woman stands accused of killing her teenage niece.

Year
2022
Genres
Crime
Runtime
50mins
Seasons
3
Director
Daniel Nettheim
Top cast
Ngali Shaw, Kate Mulvany, Brendan Cowell, Pallavi Sharda, Hazem Shammas

What our critics think

Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.

Review Team

★★★★★4/5

The Twelve, directed by Daniel Nettheim, is an astute examination of the jury system and the moral complexities that accompany it. The film centres on twelve jurors who must decide the fate of a woman accused of her niece's murder. The plot unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to engage with the characters' internal struggles and ethical dilemmas. Each juror is well-developed, showcasing a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, which adds richness to the narrative. The performances are commendable, with a standout portrayal by the lead actress, who embodies the emotional turmoil of a mother facing an unimaginable situation. The cinematography captures the claustrophobic tension of the jury room, enhancing the sense of urgency as the trial progresses. The Twelve ultimately raises profound questions about justice, bias, and the human condition, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.

Editor Team

★★★★★3/5

The Twelve is a film that tries to tackle serious themes but occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. While the plot about jurors deciding the fate of a woman accused of murder has potential, it sometimes feels like it drags on without enough payoff. The characters, though diverse, can feel a bit archetypal, which makes it hard to connect with them on a deeper level. That said, the performances are generally strong, particularly from the lead, who brings a lot of emotional depth to her role. There are moments of genuine tension, especially as the jurors confront their biases, but the film doesn’t always maintain that intensity. It's a thought-provoking watch, but it may not resonate with everyone. If you enjoy courtroom dramas and character studies, The Twelve might still be worth your time, but don’t expect an all-consuming experience.

How viewers describe this

  • thought-provoking
  • intense
  • gripping
  • emotional
  • character-driven
  • moral dilemmas
  • unsettling
  • engaging
  • reflective
  • slow-paced
  • diverse
  • impactful

The Twelve seasons

Streaming Charts

The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.

What is The Twelve About?

The Twelve is structured as an anthology series but with a unique twist: there's a new trial, a new set of jurors, and a new set of characters in every season. However, the show's core concept remains the same-the lives, biases, and secrets of twelve jurors as they deliberate over a serious criminal case. The only character present in every season is defence barrister Brett Colby, played by Sam Neill.

The Twelve Season 1 (2022)

The first season revolves around a high-profile murder case of a woman accused of killing her niece. The story dives into the lives of the jurors as much as the accused.

The Twelve Season 2 (2024)

The second season follows a First Nations artist accused of killing a fellow community member. The Twelve's second instalment has themes tied to land, heritage, and rural identity.

The Twelve Season 3 (2025)

In the third season titled "The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer", Brett Colby’s already complicated professional and personal life will encounter another turmoil when the husband of a life-long friend is accused of murder. Deepening the mystery, “a 1968 cold case murder of two teens is re-opened”, radically changing the lives of the twelve jurors sworn in for the trial.

Crew Spotlights

  • Sharon Johal played the first Khalsa female lead on Australian television in The Twelve Season 2. Prior to this, she was known for her groundbreaking role in the long-running soap opera Neighbours.
  • The Twelve Season 2, Episode 1 is dedicated in memory of actor Keith Robinson. Series 2 was his final screen credit before his death in early 2024.
  • Lead star Sam Neill also serves as an executive producer on the show.
  • The Twelve writer and executive producer Sarah Walker was a writer in the long-running soap opera Home and Away, from 2000 to 2018.

Fun Facts

  • The Twelve is based on the Belgian series De twaalf, created by by Sanne Nuyens and Bert Van Dael.
  • Filmed in the Wheatbelt, The Twelve Season 2 was the highest budget production ever to be filmed entirely in Western Australia. It was also the first series to start the WA Production Attraction Incentive.
  • The Twelve Season 3 continues this partnership, so it will be expected to deliver $10 million to the local economy. This also means 21 weeks of continuous employment for production crews and 14 weeks for on-set crews.
  • The Australian series has been sold to multiple territories around the world, including the UK.
  • The original Belgian series centred on a schoolteacher being tried for the murders of her best friend and her own daughter.

Awards and Nominations

The Twelve Season 1 was highly acclaimed in Australia, receiving 10 nominations and winning three AACTA Awards in 2022, including Best Miniseries. It was also the most nominated drama series at the 63rd TV Week Logie Awards winning three TV Week Logie Awards, including Most Outstanding Drama. Meanwhile, Sam Neill was nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Drama at the 2025 AACTA Awards. He instead won Best Lead Actor in a Drama at the 2025 Logie Awards.

Got a question about The Twelve?

Is The Twelve worth watching?

The Twelve is definitely worth watching for those who appreciate character-driven drama and moral dilemmas. The film's exploration of ordinary Australians facing extraordinary circumstances creates a compelling narrative. The performances of the cast, particularly the jurors, add depth to the story, making it a thought-provoking experience.

What is The Twelve really about?

The Twelve revolves around a murder trial that pits a woman against the jury, accused of killing her teenage niece. It delves into the complexities of justice, personal bias, and the moral implications of jury duty, as the jurors grapple with their own beliefs while deciding the fate of the accused.

Is The Twelve suitable for children?

The Twelve is not suitable for children due to its mature themes, including murder and emotional trauma. The film addresses heavy subject matter and contains intense scenes that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Where can I watch The Twelve in Australia?

The Twelve is available for streaming on various platforms in Australia. Check services like Stan or Amazon Prime Video for availability, as it may vary based on your subscription.

What happens at the end of The Twelve?

In the gripping finale of The Twelve, the jurors must confront their own biases and the weight of their decision. Spoilers ahead: the conclusion leaves viewers with moral questions about justice and the implications of their verdict, showcasing the emotional toll the trial has taken on each juror.

Is it based on a true story?

The Twelve is a fictional narrative inspired by real-life jury trials in Australia. While the characters and events are not directly based on actual cases, the film reflects the complexities and challenges faced by jurors in high-stakes situations.

Is it scary?

While The Twelve is not a horror film, it does contain intense and emotionally charged moments that may evoke feelings of discomfort and tension. The psychological aspects of the trial can be unsettling, but it is more of a drama than a thriller.

What films are similar to The Twelve?

Films similar to The Twelve include 12 Angry Men, which also explores jury dynamics, and The Trial of the Chicago 7, which delves into legal and ethical dilemmas. Both films share themes of justice, morality, and group dynamics under pressure.

Is there a sequel to The Twelve?

As of now, there is no sequel announced for The Twelve. The film stands alone, focusing on the singular experience of the jury during the trial, but its themes could potentially be explored further in future projects.