The Perfect Couple is Netflix’s latest foray into the increasingly popular murder-mystery genre, but unlike its predecessors, it’s set against the backdrop of a lavish Nantucket wedding, where wealth, status, and secrets are center stage. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, this six-part limited series delivers a high-stakes drama with an ensemble cast led by the formidable Nicole Kidman, alongside Liev Schreiber, Eve Hewson, and Dakota Fanning. Directed by Susanne Bier, the show attempts to balance both family dysfunction and a murder investigation, all while exploring themes of class divide and hidden secrets.
A Whodunnit Wrapped in Luxury
From the outset, The Perfect Couple sets itself apart by combining elements of a wedding drama and a classic murder mystery. The central premise revolves around the Winbury family, particularly their middle son Benji (Billy Howle), who is about to marry Amelia (Eve Hewson), a zoologist from a more modest background. However, what should have been a picture-perfect wedding soon devolves into chaos when one of the guests turns up dead before the ceremony can even begin.
The show’s initial hook—a body discovered the morning after the rehearsal dinner—leads into a twisted game of “who did it?” where everyone, from the bride’s parents to the family’s shady acquaintances, is a suspect. Like any good murder mystery, there’s no shortage of secrets. The groom’s wealthy family harbors all the expected dysfunctions of the upper class: infidelity, hidden financial troubles, and cold interpersonal dynamics. The show’s pacing allows viewers to slowly untangle these intricacies, leaving room for plenty of red herrings along the way.
Rich People Doing Bad Things: A Trope Revisited
If you think you’ve seen the “rich people behaving badly” trope one too many times recently, well, you’re not wrong. Similar in tone to films like Knives Out and Glass Onion, The Perfect Couple draws from the same well of intrigue: wealthy characters whose lives look perfect on the surface but unravel under scrutiny. There’s something inherently delicious about watching the ultra-rich squirm under the weight of their own choices, and The Perfect Couple capitalizes on this appeal.
Nicole Kidman, who portrays the icy Greer Garrison, matriarch of the Winbury family, is perfectly cast. Her portrayal as a judgmental mother and best-selling author feels almost tailor-made, especially for viewers who enjoy seeing her in roles that require a steely exterior. The show, however, falls into a predictable pattern. As critics have pointed out, it doesn’t push the envelope enough to stand out in a genre that’s become increasingly crowded. The lavish homes, luxurious wardrobes, and Nantucket views provide eye candy, but beneath the surface, the narrative often feels like a retread of better-executed shows about class warfare and family secrets.
A Murder Mystery with Layers of Family Dysfunction
While The Perfect Couple takes time to unravel its central murder mystery, much of its appeal lies in the tense family dynamics at play. The core of the show rests on Amelia’s struggle to fit into her fiancé’s world. As a middle-class outsider, she provides a stark contrast to the Winburys, who are obsessed with status and appearances. The friction between Amelia and her soon-to-be in-laws, particularly Greer, is palpable throughout the series. Greer’s obsession with perfection, from her carefully crafted public persona to her strained marriage to Tag (Schreiber), only fuels the conflict.
Moreover, the supporting characters—each carrying their own emotional baggage—help to flesh out the larger family saga. Thomas (Jack Reynor), Benji’s elder brother, grapples with financial instability and a volatile marriage to Abby (Dakota Fanning), whose pregnant, anxious character stands out in contrast to her more confident relatives. Each family member has something to hide, and their secrets begin to unravel just as quickly as the wedding plans.
The show’s nonlinear timeline, bouncing between past and present, adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding investigation. Flashbacks show us the hours leading up to the murder while the current timeline focuses on the aftermath, with the police questioning everyone involved. While this technique should heighten suspense, it can sometimes feel disjointed. The shifting timelines and lack of clear visual cues to distinguish between them occasionally make the narrative feel convoluted, leaving viewers struggling to keep up with the investigation.
Stylistic Strengths and Weaknesses
Visually, The Perfect Couple excels. The camera work, courtesy of Susanne Bier’s direction, is polished and precise. There’s a lot of symbolism packed into the visual presentation, from tight close-ups of the characters’ expressions to the serene (but deceptive) waters of Nantucket. The show frequently cuts away to sweeping shots of the beach or the sprawling Winbury estate, reminding viewers of the idyllic setting even as chaos ensues.
However, these stylish flourishes can’t completely compensate for some of the show’s shortcomings. While The Perfect Couple maintains a steady level of intrigue throughout its six episodes, it rarely reaches the edge-of-your-seat tension that its premise promises. The pacing feels sluggish at times, with the story often dragging in between major reveals. For a show that’s meant to keep viewers guessing, the buildup to the finale occasionally feels lackluster, even if the ultimate payoff is satisfying.
Character Performances: A Mixed Bag
The cast of The Perfect Couple is undeniably talented, but their performances are uneven. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Greer is icy and commanding, perfectly embodying a woman who hides behind a veneer of control while her life crumbles around her. Meanwhile, Eve Hewson’s Amelia is the relatable everywoman caught in the middle of the family’s dysfunction, though at times her character feels underdeveloped compared to the larger-than-life Winburys.
Dakota Fanning, however, deserves special mention. Her portrayal of Abby, a socially awkward and insecure wife grappling with her place in the family, is one of the highlights of the series. Fanning brings a subtle vulnerability to the role that adds emotional depth, particularly in the latter half of the season.
On the other hand, some of the male characters, including Benji and Tag, feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals. They serve their purpose in the plot but lack the complexity and charisma of their female counterparts, making their screen time less engaging.
The Verdict: Worth a Watch but Not Groundbreaking
The Perfect Couple is far from a perfect show, but it still has its moments of entertainment. It’s the kind of series you can binge in a weekend and enjoy without feeling guilty, much like indulging in a juicy beach read. The murder mystery, while not the most innovative, keeps you engaged enough to want to see it through, and the performances, especially from Kidman and Fanning, elevate the material beyond its formulaic roots.
However, for viewers expecting a truly mind-blowing thriller, The Perfect Couple may fall short. Its reliance on familiar tropes, combined with a meandering pace, means that while it’s enjoyable, it’s not particularly memorable. It lacks the cutting-edge social commentary of Knives Out or the gripping twists of Big Little Lies.
If you’re in the mood for a glossy, well-acted murder mystery set in a beautiful location, The Perfect Couple should be right up your alley. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the genre.
