Susanne Bier, known for directing the high-gloss Nicole Kidman starrer, The Undoing, returns to the screen with yet another luxurious narrative featuring Kidman in a role she appears to have perfected over time. In ‘The Perfect Couple,’ Kidman takes on the character of Greer Garrison Winbury, a monstrously successful mystery writer whose life of opulence pulls her into yet another perilous predicament. This time, she isn’t running a gallery but channeling her creative juices into her literary franchise, which revolves around characters Dash and Dolly. Interestingly, Dash is inspired by her affluent husband, Tag, portrayed by Liev Schreiber.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket, the Winbury family is in the middle of grand wedding preparations for their second son, Benji—played by Billy Howle—who is set to marry Amelia, a girl-next-door type played by Eve Hewson. The series opens with a rapid introduction to the ensemble cast gathered for what is supposed to be a joyous occasion but quickly spirals into a web of mystery and tension.
Among the key characters are Benji’s older brother, Thomas (Jack Reynor), and his very pregnant wife, Abby (Dakota Fanning). The youngest of the Winbury clan, Will (Sam Nivola), also makes an appearance, as does Benji’s best friend Shooter (Ishaan Khatter). Amelia’s support system includes her maid of honor, Merrit (Meghann Fahy), a party girl with a free-spirited demeanor, and Isabel (Isabelle Adjani), an old family friend.
The Winbury estate holds its charm both upstairs and downstairs. Below the primary living spaces, there is a ruthlessly efficient and somewhat snobbish housekeeper, Gosia (Irina Dubova), a wedding planner named Roger Pelton (Tim Bagley), and Greer’s editor, Enid (Adina Porter). The narrative sets a tone of high-society garnished with a layer of superficial issues that begin to peel off as the plot thickens.
The storyline takes a dark turn when a body is discovered on the beach the morning after the rehearsal dinner, prompting law enforcement officers, including Chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach), Deputy Carl (Nick Searcy), and detective Nikki (Donna Lynne Champlin), to jump into action. The unraveling of this murder sets the stage for all the dirty secrets beneath the Winburys’ polished veneer to come tumbling out.
Interestingly enough, Chloe (Mia Isaac), the daughter of Chief Carter, appears to have some connections to the crime, as she is seen concealing a bloody shirt. Thomas Flanagan as Broderick Graham fits right into the ‘Stranger’ mold, adding another layer of suspense.
Despite the Winburys’ attempt to use their wealth to influence the authorities—Tag even considers how his generous donations to the police force should shield them—the gravity of the discovery cannot be ignored. Each member of this tapestry of characters is uniformly unlikable, from the supposedly grounded yet zoo-working Amelia to the smoked-up, golf-playing, fossil-pop-singing Tag.
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Gosia, the housekeeper, regards Amelia’s parents with a dismissive air, further illustrating the class divide. Amelia’s parents, Karen (Dendrie Taylor) and Bruce (Michael McGrady), are looked down upon not just for their lower social status but for actions such as rescheduling the wedding for Karen’s health concerns. The cracks in the veneer of the “perfect couple” image the Winburys aim to project become ever more apparent.
The mystery element itself may not be particularly ingenious, and given the general unpleasantness of all the characters, one might find it hard to invest in the outcome. Kidman, however, delivers a regal performance as Greer—a role she could likely execute in her sleep. The other cast members do what they can with their substantially underdeveloped characters.
Visually, the series is a treat for the eyes. The costumes, particularly Kidman’s, are to die for. Think wide-legged trousers, vivid azure blouses that set off her mesmerizing blue eyes, and elaborate sashes and ties.
Fanning, as Abby, owns her role with a kind of casual malevolence towards everything but herself. One of her zingers includes identifying Shooter’s heritage; despite Amelia asserting he is from the Middle East, Abby retorts “exactly” when told he is from India. Champlin’s detective character also adds a layer of humor with her star-struck demeanor masking sharp observational skills.
However, despite its stylish execution, ‘The Perfect Couple’ falls into the trap of breathless, often nonsensical twists and clichés. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s bestseller, the series maintains a binge-watch quality from the Bollywood-style dance in the opening credits to the finale. Yet, it leaves one desiring more intellectual stimulus. Considering the show’s grand production and Kidman’s significant star power, one wishes it had aimed for a greater depth.
‘The Perfect Couple’ is now available for streaming on Netflix.
