The Perfect Couple, a drama mini- series based upon Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, has recently began streaming on Netflix, and with all six episodes lasting for just an hour each, it’s hardly a surprise that this series is seriously bingeable.
Set in Nantucket, Massachusetts, The Perfect Couple revolves around the wealthy Winbury family, amidst their celebrations for son Benji (Billy Howle), and fiancé Ameila’s (Eve Hewson) soon to be marriage. However, disaster strikes when maid of honour and best friend of the bride, Merritt, (Meghann Fahy), is found drowned the morning of the wedding.
Although named The Perfect Couple, this series highlights the deeply flawed aspects of each relationship within the show, and in the conclusion of the last episode, it becomes apparent that indeed, all the relationships are the absolute antithesis of perfect. The kingpins of the Winbury family, Greer and Tag, played by Nicole Kidman and Lieve Schrieber, are the perfect example of this, as through each episode the dark secrets of their relationship are exposed, along with the affairs, financial issues and disturbing acts they strive so desperately to hide from their family and the public eye.
Despite being a drama based around a murder investigation, at times when watching The Perfect Couple I was left feeling baffled, as elements of comedy and idiocy remained heavily intertwined throughout the episodes; an explicit example of this being the outrageous intro. Featuring the entire cast participating in a chaotic flash mob to Megan Trainor’s “ Criminals”, the intro has little to no relation with the themes and plot explored in the series, and towards the last episodes I found myself outwardly blurting out my annoyance at my laptop screen.
Despite the odd absurdities however, the show’s plot is still super gripping, and throughout the entirety of the series I found myself wanting to know more and rushing to press ‘next episode.’
Similarly, when watching some of the characters such as Benji’s brother Thomas (Jack Reynor), and the housekeeper (Gosia), I became irritated, as they appear far too exaggerated and unrealistic. At times they became unbearable to watch, which often ruined the somewhat serious nature that some of the scenes were striving to achieve.
Despite the odd absurdities however, the show’s plot is still super gripping, and throughout the entirety of the series I found myself wanting to know more and rushing to press ‘next episode.’ To some extent, I will admit that in ways the ridiculous nature of the show played into this also, as each character appears to have some hidden secrets which are slowly revealed through the murder investigation, making you wonder who really could have done it.
Overall, The Perfect Couple is a ridiculous, but glamorous take on the classic ‘whodunnit,’ with several plot twists that will keep you on your toes, and a picturesque backdrop of the Island of Nantucket. If you love comedic and slightly outrageous mysteries, and don’t mind cringing whilst sitting on the edge of your sofa in suspense, then The Perfect couple is for you.
