‘The Perfect Couple’ Review: Netflix's Latest Whodunit
Jenna Lamia's adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand's novel “The Perfect Couple” for Netflix seems to have embraced the lighter, more entertaining aspects of the original story, rather than focusing solely on the darker murder mystery elements. By opting for a tone that leans into the sumptuous, beach-read quality of the book, Lamia’s series offers a delightful blend of drama and humor.
In the show, Amelia Sacks, portrayed by Eve Hewson, is a zoologist who finds herself entangled in the high-society world of the Winbury family through her upcoming marriage to Benji Winbury (Billy Howle). The plot thickens when a body is discovered on the Winbury estate shortly after the couple's rehearsal dinner, transforming their celebration into a full-blown murder investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, the series unearths the Winbury family's long-buried secrets in often absurd and over-the-top fashion, making for an entertaining watch. This approach keeps the story engaging and enjoyable, embracing the melodramatic flair that makes for compelling beach reading and binge-watching alike.
The opening of “The Perfect Couple” on Nantucket Island sets the stage for a glamorous yet tense drama. As the Fourth of July festivities unfold, the audience is swept into a visually stunning scene with a massive tent pitched in the Winburys’ beachfront backyard. The picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop for the wedding-related celebrations.
Amelia's presence is highlighted through her interactions with her parents and her best friend and maid of honor, Merritt (played by Meghann Fahy). Despite their attendance, the focus remains predominantly on the Winbury family and their guests, reinforcing the sense that this event is deeply rooted in the Winburys' high-society world.
The contrast between Amelia’s more grounded circle and the opulent, exclusive nature of the Winburys’ affair adds an interesting dynamic, setting the stage for the underlying tensions and secrets that will come to light as the story progresses.
The Winbury family dynamic in “The Perfect Couple” is both colorful and complex, contributing significantly to the show's drama and intrigue. Benji Winbury (Billy Howle) is portrayed as a genuinely thoughtful and kind individual, a stark contrast to the rest of his family. His older brother, Tom (Jack Reynor), is depicted as a brash and self-absorbed figure, whose behavior is only somewhat kept in check by his manipulative wife, Abby (Dakota Fanning). This couple adds a layer of volatility and tension to the Winbury household.
Will Winbury (Sam Nivola), the youngest sibling, brings a darker element to the family’s portrait.
His emotional struggles and troubled past create a sense of unease and hint at deeper issues within the family.
The family patriarch, Tag Winbury (Liev Schreiber), seems to lead a life of leisure, indulging in rowing, golfing, and smoking weed. His apparent disinterest in the family’s more serious matters contrasts sharply with the calculated and controlling nature of the matriarch, Greer Winbury (Nicole Kidman). As an acclaimed novelist, Greer holds a powerful, manipulative influence over her husband and sons, positioning herself as the central figure in the family’s web of intrigue and secrets.
This rich character ensemble sets up a compelling backdrop for the unfolding murder mystery, with each member of the Winbury family adding their own unique flavor to the drama.
The transition from the glamorous rehearsal dinner to the grim discovery the next morning in “The Perfect Couple” highlights a stark shift in tone, setting up the central murder mystery. The joyous atmosphere of the rehearsal dinner, filled with the usual pre-wedding excitement, quickly turns dark with the shocking discovery of a floater on the Winbury estate.
Nantucket Chief of Police Dan Carter (Michael Beach) initially approaches the case with a sense of urgency but also a desire to avoid stirring up trouble, given the Winburys’ significant influence on the island. His attempt to resolve the situation quickly reflects his awareness of the power dynamics at play and his desire to keep things low-key.
However, as Det. Nikki Henry (Donna Lynne Champlin) is brought in from the mainland to assist with the investigation, a more thorough and probing examination of the case begins. Nikki’s presence introduces a fresh perspective and a more rigorous approach, revealing layers of complexity and hidden truths about the Winbury family. Her investigation uncovers that beneath the Winburys' seemingly perfect exterior lies a web of secrets and deceit, challenging the façade of their flawless image and delving into their true nature.
The ensemble performances of Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, and Dakota Fanning in “The Perfect Couple” deliver compelling portrayals of deeply flawed individuals who are obsessed with maintaining their social veneer and luxurious lifestyles. Their performances effectively convey the characters’ internal fractures and the lengths they go to protect their public image, adding depth and intensity to the drama.
The show's pacing and structure keep viewers hooked by revealing personal insights and hidden agendas as wedding guests are brought in for questioning. This methodical approach allows the audience to piece together the complex web of relationships and motives, keeping the mystery engaging.
Despite the serious themes, the show’s tone is intentionally over-the-top and almost comical. The soap-opera-esque dialogue and the cheesy, ensemble dance sequences that open each episode contribute to a lighthearted, campy atmosphere. This approach ensures that the series never takes itself too seriously, allowing viewers to enjoy the melodrama and absurdity of the plot. The blend of dramatic intrigue and playful, exaggerated elements creates a unique and entertaining viewing experience, making “The Perfect Couple” a fun and engaging watch.
Amelia's discomfort and reluctance to conform to the Winbury family's expectations become central to the drama in “The Perfect Couple.” Her genuine affection for Benji is overshadowed by her unease within the opulent and stifling environment of the Winbury estate. This tension is especially palpable in her interactions with Greer, the formidable matriarch.
In Episode 3, titled “The Perfect Family,” Amelia’s boldness reaches a peak during a dinner that spirals into a reality TV-like spectacle. Her decision to confront Greer about the use of NDAs and the mysterious disappearance of a family friend exposes cracks in the Winbury facade. Amelia's probing questions not only challenge the status quo but also unearth unsettling truths that disrupt the veneer of calm and control that the family tries to maintain.
The finale, “That Feels Better,” escalates the revelations even further. As the series reaches its climax, Amelia’s relentless pursuit of answers leads to even more shocking and fantastical disclosures. The contrast between Amelia’s straightforward, unpretentious approach and the Winburys’ carefully curated image drives the narrative forward, highlighting the absurdity and drama of their lives.
This blend of serious inquiry and sensational uncovering ensures that the show maintains its engaging and entertaining tone, balancing intense moments with its signature campy flair.
“The Perfect Couple” indeed focuses on the theme of appearances and the lengths individuals will go to maintain their curated images. While the narrative may embrace a certain level of absurdity and lack deep exploration of its themes, the series shines through its compelling cast and engaging plot twists.
The show’s allure comes from its ability to entertain and captivate with its magnetic star power and intricate, if sometimes over-the-top, intrigue. Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, and the rest of the ensemble bring charisma and depth to their roles, making even the more outlandish elements of the story enjoyable.
Despite its sometimes frivolous approach, the series succeeds in being a highly watchable experience. Its blend of glamorous drama, intriguing mysteries, and playful absurdity creates a perfect cocktail for viewers looking for an engaging and fun show.
What did you think? Drop a comment.
Comments