Susanne Bier, the acclaimed director recognized for her work on the glossy Nicole Kidman starrer, “The Undoing,” returns with another visually opulent offering titled “The Perfect Couple.” Once again, Nicole Kidman takes center stage, portraying a wealthy woman of high status who finds herself embroiled in perilous circumstances. Kidman flawlessly embodies Greer Garrison Winbury, an immensely successful mystery writer. Unlike her previous role as a gallery owner, this time, Kidman’s character is a celebrated author, crafting stories about detectives Dash and Dolly. Dash is inspired by her enormously affluent husband, Tag, brought to life by Liev Schreiber.
The Winbury family resides in the picturesque Nantucket, preparing to host the wedding of their second son, Benji, played by Billy Howle, to the charming girl-next-door, Amelia, portrayed by Eve Hewson. The scene rapidly introduces an array of intriguing characters. Among them are Benji’s older brother, Thomas (Jack Reynor), accompanied by his heavily pregnant wife, Abby (Dakota Fanning), and the youngest Winbury, Will (Sam Nivola). Benji’s best friend, Shooter (Ishaan Khatter), Amelia’s best friend and maid of honor, Merrit (Meghann Fahy), and family friend, Isabel (Isabelle Adjani), add to the mix.
On the service front, we have the stern and class-conscious housekeeper, Gosia (Irina Dubova), the meticulous wedding planner Roger Pelton (Tim Bagley), and Greer’s ever-diligent editor, Enid (Adina Porter). The plot takes a dramatic turn when a body is discovered on the beach following the rehearsal dinner, prompting law enforcement led by Chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach), Deputy Carl (Nick Searcy), and detective Nikki (Donna Lynne Champlin) to leap into action.
As the investigation unfolds, the series begins peeling back the layers of the Winburys’ meticulously curated façade, exposing the unsettling realities lurking beneath their polished exterior. Among the unexpected plot twists, Chief Carter’s daughter Chloe (Mia Isaac) becomes entwined in the mystery as she conceals a blood-stained shirt, and Thomas Flanagan’s portrayal of Broderick Graham injects an element of the unknown.
Financial wealth and social status cannot shield the Winburys from the harsh grips of reality. Tag, despite his copious donations to the local police force aimed at securing their cooperation, quickly realizes that money cannot cleanse the stain of murder. The narrative portrays all characters in an overwhelmingly negative light, including the seemingly grounded Amelia, who met Benji while working at a zoo—a seemingly down-to-earth background contrasted sharply by the Winburys’ opulence.
. Tag’s supposed allure is hard to perceive, as his days are filled with smoking and playing golf rather than displaying any redeeming qualities.
Gosia’s pretentious demeanor is highlighted through her disdain for Amelia’s parents, Karen (Dendrie Taylor) and Bruce (Michael McGrady), who she criticizes for their modest gift of store-bought fruit, highlighting the pretentious social barriers within the family’s circles. The facade of the “perfect couple” begins to crumble, with Amelia’s parents rescheduling the wedding to accommodate Karen’s fabricated ailment adding comedic yet poignant relief.
Despite the intriguing premise, the murder mystery itself lacks sophistication. The vapid nature of the character ensemble does little to engage the audience, leaving viewers indifferent to the resolution of the whodunnit. Nicole Kidman, embodying her role with regal ease, remains a standout despite the lack of depth in the script. Her wardrobe, marked by divine attire including wide-legged trousers and an azure blouse that accentuates her striking blue eyes, adds a layer of visual appeal.
Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Abby injects a casual cruelty and self-centered indifference, providing some of the show’s more memorable moments. Her quirks, including the throwaway line dismissing the nationality of another character, bring a dark humor to the role. Champlin, as the detective bedazzled by wealth yet unyieldingly observant, brings a touch of levity to the serious narrative.
“The Perfect Couple,” based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel, captures viewers with its glossy production and intricate visuals. However, it falls short of elevating itself beyond standard fare. The show abounds with clichés and frenetic plot twists that often lack coherence, making it an addictive yet ultimately shallow experience. From the Bollywood-inspired dance sequence in the opening credits to the demystifying final reveal, the series is a guilty pleasure that could have benefitted from sharper writing and more ambitious storytelling.
Currently available for streaming on Netflix, “The Perfect Couple” entertains but fails to fully capitalize on its potential. Even with a powerhouse lead like Nicole Kidman, the show’s stylistic focus overshadows its narrative shortcomings, begging the question of whether more substantial projects might better serve Kidman’s formidable talent.
Published – September 08, 2024 01:58 pm IST
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