Legal Battle Over Allegations of Copying: Apple TV+’s “Servant” vs. “The Truth About Emmanuel”
Apple TV+ series “Servant.” Image source: Apple
An Overview of the Lawsuit
The legal controversy surrounding Apple TV+’s series “Servant” has resurfaced, with claims that it borrowed significant elements from a 2013 film titled “The Truth About Emmanuel.” As proceedings continue, a jury is expected to determine whether Apple and M. Night Shyamalan should face penalty damages totaling $81 million.
A recent update from Variety indicates that both the creators behind the series and director Shyamalan are set to present their case before a jury. As part of the deliberation process, jurors will review both “The Truth About Emmanuel” and the initial three episodes of ”Servant.”
Claims for Damages
Plaintiff Laura Gregorini is pursuing damages amounting to $81 million. For context, it’s worth noting that “The Truth About Emmanuel” earned approximately $226 in Los Angeles box offices and a mere $9 in Philadelphia during its release.
The Defense’s Argument
The argument presented by Shyamalan’s defense team asserts that “Servant” was conceived prior to the debut of Gregorini’s film and contends that the motif involving reborn dolls isn’t exclusive to her narrative. Despite this, Gregorini argues there are profound parallels between scenes in each production beyond minor plot points.
A Closer Look at Both Titles
Having viewed both “Servant” and analyzed “The Truth About Emmanuel,” I have considered initial comparisons featuring side-by-side scene analyses as well.
Image source: Case 2:20-cv-00406-DMG-JC Document 1
Similarities Notion Debunked
While some thematic elements overlap between these two narratives—such as characters like a reborn doll, caretaker figures (nanny), and distressed maternal figures—the scope of these similarities does not necessarily support allegations of plagiarism.
The Plot Dynamics of Emanuel
In “The Truth About Emanuel,” our protagonist babysits for Linda only to discover there’s no infant present; instead, she finds a lifelike doll. The story unfolds with Emanuel striving to conceal this secret while developing an intimate bond with Linda. Conflict arises when Linda suspects foul play regarding her baby after discovering Ezekiel’s (the reborn doll) existence amidst complex emotional turmoil, culminating in Linda being hospitalized due to psychological distress provoked by these events.
Image Source: Case 2:20-cv−00406−DMGJC Document1
Exploring Servants’ Differentiating Features
In contrast , feel free spoilers from early in the first season ahead .As depicted across season one episode two , what begins merely as an alternative toy transcends into showcasing an actual living child—stirring questions about Leanne’s true identity alongside Dorothy’s comprehension regarding her lost infant .
