The Perfect Couple is an American mystery drama series starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, and Eve Hewson.[1] It is an adaptation of the 2018 novel of the same name by Elin Hilderbrand, premiered on September 5, 2024, on Netflix.[2][3]
Amelia (Hewson) is about to marry into the wealthy Winbury family of Nantucket, to the disapproval of their matriarch, the novelist Greer Garrison Winbury (Kidman). But when a body is found on the beach and secrets are revealed, everyone becomes a suspect.[4]
An adaptation of The Perfect Couple was in the works at Fox Entertainment in 2019.[7] Jenna Lamia was announced to be adapting the book for the project in December 2019.[8]
Lamia was revealed to be serving as showrunner and Susanne Bier as director for the adaptation which was greenlit as a six-part series by Netflix in August 2022. Lamia, Bier and the book's author Elin Hilderbrand served as executive producers along with Nicole Kidman and Per Saari for Blossom Films, Shawn Levy and Josh Barry of 21 Laps Entertainment, and Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady for The Jackal Group.[2][9]
Changes from the novel include changing the bride’s name from Celeste Otis to Amelia Sacks.[10] Lamia later disclosed that adjustments were made to the series specifically to steer clear of any parallels with Big Little Lies.[11] These changes were made after Kidman joined the project.[12]
Bier revealed that she declined the opportunity to direct season 2 of The Night Manager to direct the series.[13]
In March 2023, reports surfaced that Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, and several other potential cast members were set to star in the series.[14][15] Later, Kidman, Schreiber, and Fanning were confirmed, along with Eve Hewson and Billy Howle joining the cast.[1] The remaining cast included Ishaan Khattar, Jack Reynor, Sam Nivola, Mia Isaac, Donna Lynne Champlin, and Isabelle Adjani.[5] Later that same month, Omar Epps joined the cast.[6]
Principal photography was scheduled from April to June 2023 in Massachusetts with filming locations including Chatham, Eastward Point, Harwich, and around Cape Cod.[16][17][18] Filming in Nantucket and Chatham was picketed in September 2023 by striking members of the SAG-AFTRA unions.[19]
After the cast returned to set following an eight-month hiatus due to the 2023 WGA strike and 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, Susanne Bier proposed a flashmob-style dance sequence for the opening credits. However, the cast initially rejected the idea.[20]
The series was released on September 5, 2024, on Netflix.[3]
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 55% approval rating with an average rating of 6.2/10, based on 29 critic reviews.[21] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 68 out of 100 based on 21 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[22]
Lucy Mangan of The Guardian praised the series for its well-crafted plot, noting that the twists and reveals are perfectly timed, making it hard to stop watching after starting. She highlighted Donna Lynne Champlin's portrayal of detective Nikki Henry, calling her "the star of the show."[23] Nick Hilton of The Independent criticized the series for its fast pace and lack of depth, noting that the hurried storytelling makes the non-linear timeline feel disjointed. He drew comparisons to Big Little Lies, stating that the series lacks the tension and intrigue of that drama, leaving viewers with a portrayal of flawed lives that feels equally flawed and unfulfilled.[24] Dan Einav from the Financial Times noted that the series feels predictable, often compared to Big Little Lies and The White Lotus, but it falls short on emotional depth and sharp wit. Despite its familiar take on themes like privilege and family dynamics, along with a somewhat exaggerated plot and characters, the strong performances and direction make it an entertaining summer show.[25]
Tania Hussain of Collider observed that the series effectively blended dark comedy and suspense, creating a gripping and unpredictable narrative. Nicole Kidman and Eve Hewson gave nuanced performances, while sharp social commentary and stunning visuals enhanced the themes of privilege and power. However, the rushed ending leaves some plotlines unresolved, slightly diminishing the overall impact.[26] Saloni Gajjar of A.V. Club noted that despite a talented cast and beautiful setting, the series falls flat, weighed down by clichés and lacking depth. Although Nicole Kidman was expected to deliver a standout performance, the show was underwhelmed, with no performances truly standing out. Jack Reynor and Dakota Fanning appeared to enjoy their roles, but overall, it felt like the cast prioritized a luxurious Nantucket getaway, resulting in a confusing final product, similar to some of Kidman's recent TV projects.[27]
Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly noted that the show relied heavily on the absurd trope of characters casually making quips and coy remarks during police interrogations. However, the series signaled that neither it nor its characters should be taken too seriously.[28] Benji Wilson of The Telegraph described the series as "top-notch trash," delivering a satisfying, addictive experience in almost every scene. He compared it to Big Little Lies set on the East Coast, The White Lotus with a Count of Monte Cristo twist in Nantucket, and And Then There Were None with private jets.[29] Aramide Tinubu of Variety observed that despite a nonsensical plot and limited depth, the series remained enjoyable and highly watchable, thanks to its magnetic star power and intriguing elements.[30]
Kayleigh Donaldson of The Wrap agreed with other critics about the series' similarity to Nicole Kidman's previous work but found it to be a highly bingeable show poised for social media buzz. She also noted Kidman's winning TV formula, where she consistently portrayed privileged women in domestic peril, creating a distinct genre that she stuck to in each new glossy miniseries.[31] In a more critical review, Ben Travers of IndieWire criticized the series for its lack of care and effort, evident in both the opening titles and the episodes. He noted that the show relied on star power, expecting viewers to like the characters simply because they're played by celebrities, rather than acknowledging their flaws despite their glamorous lives. Travers suggested that the show "is made to look like a good time — and maybe it can be, if you bring your own party — but there’s even less here than meets the eye".[32]
Angie Han of The Hollywood Reportercriticized the series for struggling to find its own voice, often resembling other shows. While she praised Dakota Fanning's performance, noting her portrayal of Abby as both terrifying and hilarious, she felt the character lacked depth and disconnected from the rest of the cast, especially Nicole Kidman.[33] Cristina Escobar of RogerEbert.com suggested that viewers weigh their fondness for Nicole Kidman before committing to six hours with these unpleasant characters, pointing out that there may be better viewing choices available.[34]
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