Susanne Bier, known for directing the glossy thriller “The Undoing,” returns with another high-profile project featuring Nicole Kidman. This time, Kidman steps into the role of Greer Garrison Winbury, a wildly successful mystery novelist, in the series “The Perfect Couple.” In this drama, Kidman once again embodies a wealthy woman of privilege facing peril. Greer’s expertise has made her a household name thanks to her hit series featuring the detective duo Dash and Dolly, the former based on her own wealthy husband, Tag, played by Liev Schreiber.
Set in the picturesque locale of Nantucket, the story unfolds as the Winbury family gathers to celebrate the wedding of Benji (Billy Howle), Greer’s second son, to his fiancée Amelia (Eve Hewson). The stage is set for a quintessential summer celebration, but the serenity of the island is shattered by a murder.
The narrative introduces us to a plethora of characters in quick succession. Among them are Benji’s elder brother Thomas (Jack Reynor) and his very pregnant wife Abby (Dakota Fanning), as well as Will (Sam Nivola), the youngest Winbury sibling. The wedding crew also includes Benji’s best friend Shooter (Ishaan Khatter), Amelia’s maid of honor Merrit (Meghann Fahy), and family friend Isabel (Isabelle Adjani).
Behind the scenes, an efficient yet snobbish housekeeper named Gosia (Irina Dubova), wedding planner Roger Pelton (Tim Bagley), and Greer’s editor Enid (Adina Porter) maneuver through preparations. However, the festivities take a dark turn when a body is discovered on the beach following the rehearsal dinner. The police, led by Chief Dan Carter (Michael Beach), Deputy Carl (Nick Searcy), and Detective Nikki (Donna Lynne Champlin), kick-start their investigation, peeling back the layers of the Winbury’s ostensibly perfect lives.
As suspicions rise, so do tensions, revealing the cracks beneath the family’s affluent exterior. Chief Carter’s daughter, Chloe (Mia Isaac), has a mysterious connection to the crime scene, as she is seen concealing a blood-stained shirt. Additionally, the enigmatic Broderick Graham (Thomas Flanagan), fitting into the “Stranger” archetype, adds another layer of intrigue.
Despite their substantial charitable donations to the police force, aimed at securing favorable treatment, the Winburys realize that wealth cannot hide a dead body. Each character reveals unpleasant facets: down-to-earth Amelia, who fell for Benji while working at a zoo, is shown to be equally insufferable.
. Tag’s appeal remains elusive as he smokes, plays golf, and belittles himself with dated pop songs.
The class divide is sharply illustrated by Gosia’s disdain for Amelia’s parents, Karen (Dendrie Taylor) and Bruce (Michael McGrady), who gift store-bought fruit and go to great lengths to reschedule the wedding amidst Karen’s severe illness. Gosia dismisses characters she deems inferior, expressing surprise when one guest makes their bed “like a poor person.”
The discovery of the body further unravels the façade of the “perfect” Winbury couple. The mystery itself lacks ingenuity, and given the general unpleasantness of the characters, it becomes difficult to invest emotionally in solving the whodunit. Kidman is reliably regal in her role as Greer, though it seems she can perform such parts effortlessly at this stage. The dedicated cast breathe as much life as they can into their thinly drawn characters, although extreme close-ups reveal little beyond flawless complexions.
Wardrobe highlights include some sumptuous pieces, particularly Kidman’s attire. She dons wide-legged trousers, a striking azure blouse that makes her blue eyes pop, and a range of intricate sashes and ties that add depth to her outfits.
Dakota Fanning stands out with her portrayal of Abby, bringing a nonchalant cruelty and indifference to her interactions, saving her full attention only for herself. Her cutting remarks, such as noting that Indian character Shooter (Ishaan Khatter) hails from the Middle East, underscore her character’s aloof and dismissive nature.
The show’s indulgent clichés, along with its fast-paced, often nonsensical twists, might feel tiresome, but “The Perfect Couple” manages to be curiously addictive, much like a page-turner vacation read. The narrative is fueled by an elaborate dance sequence reminiscent of Bollywood’s vibrant style, giving the show a pulsating start that feels out of place yet magnetic.
Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s bestseller, “The Perfect Couple” could have aimed for greater narrative depth and sharper storytelling. Its lack of ambition ultimately detracts from what could have been a more profoundly engaging experience. While beautifully produced, with Nicole Kidman’s formidable star power taking center stage, it underscores the need for more substantial material worthy of her talents.
“The Perfect Couple” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
