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Nicole Kidman, along with a talented cast, presents a murder mystery set against the lavish backdrop of a Nantucket wedding.
Netflix’s The Perfect Couple is a captivating adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s best-selling novel, offering a thrilling blend of mystery, drama, and sharp social commentary. Set against the backdrop of a lavish Nantucket wedding, the story unfolds as the high-society matriarch, Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman), strives to oversee the nuptials of her son, Benji (Billy Howle), and his fiancée, Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson).
However, when a shocking murder disrupts the opulent celebration, the perfect union descends into chaos.
As hidden secrets, past grudges, and family dynamics come to light, the series skillfully builds tension around the central question: Who committed the crime, and what are they hiding?
One of the most delightful elements of The Perfect Couple is its meticulously choreographed opening title sequence. Set to Meghan Trainor’s track ‘Criminals,’ the entire cast, dressed in formal attire, dances in near-perfect synchronization, creating a visually captivating and unexpected introduction to a more serious-toned series. This choreographed sequence serves as a perfect metaphor for the show’s underlying themes: appearances can be deceiving.
Nicole Kidman shines as Greer, the matriarch at the heart of this high-society storm. Known for her portrayals of complex and multifaceted women, Kidman brings a similar gravitas to this role. Her portrayal of Greer captures the conflict of a woman struggling to maintain control even as her life and family begin to unravel. With her icy elegance and underlying vulnerability, Kidman anchors the series, delivering a performance that is both commanding and emotionally rich.
Towards the end of the series, a monologue revealing Greer’s background delivers a shocking revelation, yet Kidman’s heartbreaking fragility keeps the audience riveted.
Alongside Kidman, The Perfect Couple boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Liev Schreiber plays the father of the groom who doesn’t really do anything. Dakota Fanning takes on the role of Abby Winbury, Thomas’ pregnant wife. Although Fanning adds intrigue to her character, she is underutilized in this large ensemble drama and could have benefited from more substantial material. Eve Hewson, despite her previous roles in prominent series like Behind Her Eyes and Bad Sisters, truly rises to stardom with her performance as Amelia Sacks (the bride-to-be). Holding her own alongside Nicole Kidman is no easy feat, but Hewson succeeds admirably. Scenes in which Amelia grapples with her identity and the pressures of marrying into such a prominent family add emotional depth to the series. Her chemistry with Meghan Fahy (of The White Lotus fame), further enhances the emotional resonance of the series. Meghan Fahy also delivers a standout performance as Merritt Monaco, the maid of honor and bride’s best friend. The dynamic interplay between the characters, fueled by both chemistry and friction, elevates the material beyond a standard whodunit series.
Each actor brings authenticity to their roles, making the relationships feel lived-in and believable, despite the heightened drama.
The show’s exploration of family dynamics is equally compelling. The narrative sheds light on the toxic pressures of maintaining a “perfect” image, particularly within a wealthy and powerful family like the Winburys. Greer’s need for control, Benji’s struggle with family expectations, and Amelia’s outsider perspective create a story that transcends the surface-level murder mystery. At its core, The Perfect Couple asks: What does it mean to be perfect? Through its characters, the series dissects how perfectionism, privilege, and how expectations can mask deeper fractures within relationships. The wedding, intended to be a celebration of unity, instead becomes a battleground for unresolved grievances and long-buried secrets.
The six-episode limited series maintains a deliberate pace, allowing the tension to build gradually. This structure serves the mystery well, revealing key clues and misdirections that keep the audience guessing about the true culprit. While the slow-burn approach allows for richer character development, those seeking more rapid plot twists may find certain parts somewhat sluggish. However, for fans of thrillers and drama, the methodical pace adds depth to the production.
The picturesque Nantucket setting, with its sharp contrasts between the opulent, upcoming wedding and the darkness of the investigation, serves as more than just a backdrop. It adds a layer of thematic richness to the story, highlighting the disparity between appearance and reality.
Don’t miss this one. Apple is ahead of the curve in limited series but this is one of Netflix’s better series and its worth your time.
Nicole Kidman shines as Greer, the matriarch at the heart of this high-society storm. Known for her portrayals of complex and multifaceted women, Kidman brings a similar gravitas to this role. Her portrayal of Greer captures the conflict of a woman struggling to maintain control even as her life and
family begin to unravel. With her icy elegance and underlying vulnerability, Kidman anchors the series, delivering a
performance that is both commanding and emotionally rich.
Rating system: *Not on your life * ½ If you really must waste your time ** Hardly worth the bother ** ½ Okay for a slow afternoon only *** Good enough for a look see *** ½ Recommended viewing **** Don’t miss it **** ½ Almost perfect ***** Perfection
