Finneas Scores ‘Disclaimer’: String Quartet Challenge
- Oscar winner Finneas, known for his songwriting and composing, including work with his sister Billie Eilish, took on a new challenge with Apple TV+'s limited series, "Disclaimer." Director...
- Despite his extensive experience, Finneas had never scored for television.Cuarón, a fan of his work, provided an unusual reference point.
- "Disclaimer" stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a journalist who exposes the secrets of others.
Finneas dives into the world of television scoring, crafting a haunting soundscape for Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer” on Apple TV+. The award-winning songwriter embraced the challenge of scoring a series, a first for him. Cuarón’s inspiration led Finneas to the world of string quartets, resulting in a score that delves into the characters’ inner monologues, notably using a cello theme for Cate Blanchett’s Catherine Ravenscroft, making a unique sound for this series. This departure from his usual work showcases Finneas’s versatility. Wiht a “less is more” approach, Finneas elevates key moments within the narrative like a water rescue and character revelations, enhancing the series’ emotional depth. News Directory 3 highlights the creative process of this acclaimed musician. Discover what’s next for Finneas and his venture into television composition.
Finneas Creates Haunting Score for Disclaimer on Apple TV+
Updated June 01, 2025
Oscar winner Finneas, known for his songwriting and composing, including work with his sister Billie Eilish, took on a new challenge with Apple TV+’s limited series, “Disclaimer.” Director Alfonso Cuarón sought a unique approach to the show’s music, leading Finneas down an unexpected path.
Despite his extensive experience, Finneas had never scored for television.Cuarón, a fan of his work, provided an unusual reference point. “He sent me a bunch of music that he loved as references, and it was mostly string quartets,” Finneas said. This inspired Finneas to learn how to wriet for the ensemble.
“Disclaimer” stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a journalist who exposes the secrets of others. her own dark secrets are revealed when she receives a novel where she is the main character.
Finneas collaborated with composer David Campbell, who helped notate and orchestrate his ideas. Campbell suggested the Attacca Quartet, a group already admired by Cuarón.
finneas noted that Cuarón’s films often use minimal scores. He applied a “less is more” approach to ”Disclaimer,” using music to enhance key moments, such as a water rescue scene, and to reflect the characters’ inner thoughts.
Episode 7 reveals a crucial secret about Catherine. Cuarón provided Finneas with a piece of music for the scene where Catherine realizes the narrative that has destroyed her life was untrue. This realization prompted a shift in the score’s tone.
Finneas created specific themes for different characters and relationships. Catherine has a cello theme, while her son Nicholas (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who listens to rap, grime, and drill music, has a sound that blends cello with synths associated with her husband Robert (Sacha Baron Cohen).
A love theme was also created for Steven (Kevin Kline) and his late wife Nancy (Lesley Manville), who appears in flashbacks.
Finneas found the non-linear approach to scoring the series satisfying. “I would work on cues from Episode 6 and then 2,” he said, jumping around as needed.
What’s next
Finneas hopes to continue exploring television scoring, appreciating the freedom to work on different episodes concurrently.