Returning to the director’s chair after her notable success with “The Undoing,” Susanne Bier presents another enticing yet somewhat superficial series featuring Nicole Kidman. This time, Kidman plays Greer Garrison Winbury in “The Perfect Couple,” a role that situates her once again as a privileged woman embroiled in peril. Kidman’s Greer is a highly successful mystery writer, drawing inspiration from her affluent husband Tag, portrayed by Liev Schreiber. Her books, mysteries featuring characters Dash and Dolly, mirror her own high-society life. The storyline unfolds in the picturesque setting of Nantucket, during the preparations for the wedding of her son Benji (Billy Howle) and his fiancée, Amelia (Eve Hewson).
The series introduces a plethora of characters at the Winbury family’s gathering. These include Benji’s older brother Thomas (Jack Reynor) and his pregnant wife Abby (Dakota Fanning), their youngest sibling Will (Sam Nivola), Benji’s best friend Shooter (Ishaan Khatter), and Amelia’s best friend and maid of honor Merrit (Meghann Fahy). There is also the family friend Isabel (Isabelle Adjani), each adding unique dynamics to the ensemble.
Below the surface glamour, we meet the formidable housekeeper Gosia (Irina Dubova), the meticulous wedding planner Roger Pelton (Tim Bagley), and Greer’s dedicated editor Enid (Adina Porter). The plot thickens when a body is discovered on the beach after the rehearsal dinner, calling for law enforcement to act. Officers including chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach), Deputy Carl (Nick Searcy), and detective Nikki (Donna Lynne Champlin) come into play, initiating a series of investigative endeavors.
As the investigation progresses, hidden secrets start surfacing, revealing the darker underbelly beneath the Winburys’ pristine exterior. Among the catalysts for these revelations is Chief Carter’s daughter, Chloe (Mia Isaac), who has a suspicious connection to the crime, notably hiding a bloody shirt. Thomas Flanagan steps in as Broderick Graham, adding a mysterious layer to the unfolding drama.
Tag, despite his wealth and influence, finds himself unable to keep the scandal under wraps. His donations to the police provide little solace as the reality of the crime takes precedence. His character, although presumably charming, spends more time indulging in leisure activities than contributing to any substantial storyline, making him rather unremarkable.
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The diverse cast embodies their roles, but the characters themselves leave much to be desired. The portrayal of Greer by Kidman is done with her usual flair, though it feels executed on autopilot given the superficial depth of the role. Amelia, despite her relatable background of working at a zoo before falling in love with Benji, also fails to stand out among the otherwise lackluster cast.
The character of Gosia, for instance, is utilized to introduce class conflict, looking down on Amelia’s parents for mundane reasons. Gosia’s disdain for their gift of store-bought fruit and her reproach for making the bed “like poor people” adds to the series’ depiction of elitism. These depictions, while colorful, make virtually no character likable or relatable.
The murder mystery, centering around the discovery of the body, lacks ingenuity, projecting a sense of predictability and disinterest. Despite Kidman’s regal portrayal of Greer and the cast’s effort to breathe life into their scripted roles, the story struggles to enthrall. The cinematography, however, is commendable, with exquisite costumes opting to create a visually appealing experience, particularly Kidman’s wardrobe, which stands out with refined elegance.
The standout performance comes from Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Abby. Her character’s casual cruelty and self-centered behavior bring a unique, albeit disturbing, authenticity that contrasts sharply with the otherwise two-dimensional characters. Fanning’s Abby dismisses others with offhand remarks that offer fleeting moments of dark humor.
While “The Perfect Couple” attempts to balance suspense with drama, it struggles with clichés and convoluted twists that stretch believability. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s bestseller, the series is undeniably watchable if not for its stylish execution, but it lacks the ambition and cleverness one might hope for. The predictable and sometimes nonsensical plot twists dilute the overall impact of what could have been a sharper and more intelligent narrative.
“The Perfect Couple” is a glossy, well-produced show streaming currently on Netflix. Despite its shortcomings, it highlights a need for Kidman to perhaps channel her star power into projects that demand more depth and nuance, an aspect that this series, unfortunately, does not quite deliver.
