Netflix’s new murder mystery, The Perfect Couple, dives into the familiar world of wealthy people hiding dark secrets. Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s best-selling novel, the show immediately sets the tone with an unusual opening credits sequence.
As Meghan Trainor’s “Criminals” plays, the main cast, including Nicole Kidman and Liev Schrieber, perform a choreographed line dance during a rehearsal dinner party. The song’s lyrics, “anything that feels this good must be illegal,” provide a cheeky nod to the drama that’s about to unfold.
How you feel about this lighthearted start will determine whether you’ll enjoy The Perfect Couple. If you find yourself smiling, the series is likely to entertain you with its mix of melodrama, mystery, and humor. But if you find the dance sequence puzzling or out of place, this might not be your cup of tea. From the first scene, the show establishes that it knows exactly what kind of story it’s telling, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The series, adapted by showrunner Jenna Lamia, captures the essence of a summer beach read, much like the novel. It’s fun, engaging, and full of intrigue, but it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The six-episode limited series leans into familiar tropes of the murder mystery genre but does so with a self-aware tone that balances drama, humor, and suspense.
A Glamorous Setup with Dark Secrets
The story centers around Amelia Sacks (played by Eve Hewson), a zoologist who is set to marry Benji Winbury (Billy Howle), the son of a super-wealthy family. The night before the wedding, a fancy rehearsal dinner is held at the family’s estate on Nantucket, which coincides with the release of Greer Garrison Winbury’s (Kidman) 29th novel. Greer, Benji’s mother, is a famous author obsessed with maintaining her family’s pristine image, but when a dead body turns up near the house the morning of the wedding, the entire family is thrown into chaos.
Amelia’s humble background contrasts sharply with the high-society world of the Winburys, and this tension is apparent, especially with Greer, who is both cold and cutting in her behavior. While Greer tries to keep up appearances, secrets from her past start to unravel, making her a central figure in the unfolding drama. Kidman’s performance is a standout, as she embodies a woman driven by status and control, even in the smallest gestures like applying lip gloss while subtly insulting her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
A Thriller with a Satirical Edge
The show cleverly pokes fun at the lives of the ultra-privileged, often highlighting the absurdity of their concerns. One memorable scene involves a character practicing a fake apology to save face after a public scandal, with the family gathered around to ensure it sounds believable. The satire is sharp, making it clear just how disconnected these characters are from reality.
While the murder mystery itself follows a familiar formula, The Perfect Couple excels in its pacing. With only six episodes, the story moves quickly without any unnecessary filler. Every twist and red herring serves a purpose, and while some of the reveals may not be shocking, the show maintains a gripping narrative throughout.
The tone also strikes a balance between serious moments and lighter ones. Despite the dark secrets, there are genuine laughs sprinkled throughout, mostly at the expense of the entitled characters. The show is unafraid to showcase how terrible these people are to each other, and it’s entertaining to watch their privileged lives unravel.
Strong Performances and Memorable Characters
One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its ensemble cast. Schrieber shines as the wealthy and charming, yet despicable, Tag Winbury. But it’s Dakota Fanning, playing Abby Winbury, who truly steals the show. As the wife of Benji’s brother, Abby’s passive-aggressive behavior and boundless entitlement make her an unforgettable character. Fanning delivers her lines with a mix of cruelty and insecurity that adds layers to her otherwise mean-girl persona.
The dynamic between the characters keeps the show engaging, and even though most of them aren’t deeply complex, they’re just interesting enough to hold your attention. The writers, led by Lamia, ensure that each character plays a significant role in the unraveling mystery.
A Fun, Fast-Paced Summer Thriller
Ultimately, The Perfect Couple is a breezy, summer thriller that knows exactly what it’s doing. It doesn’t break new ground in the murder mystery genre, but it’s not trying to. Instead, it offers a tightly paced, entertaining ride filled with wealthy family drama, secrets, and satire. While the final reveal may leave some viewers wanting more, especially in terms of consequences, the show wraps up most plot points efficiently, keeping the focus on entertainment.
If you’re looking for a self-aware, melodramatic mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously, The Perfect Couple will deliver just that.
