The opening title sequence of Netflix’s new adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, The Perfect Couple, has surprised many viewers with its unexpected approach. The six-part series starts with a suspicious death just before a wedding, throwing suspicion on everyone connected to the deceased. However, before diving into the murder mystery, the cast, including Nicole Kidman and the victim, takes part in a lively dance routine set to Meghan Trainor’s “Criminals” in the 45-second opener of each episode.
Director Susanne Bier, who is known for her work on The Night Manager and The Undoing, aimed for a more humorous tone from the outset. She shared that she wanted the audience to enjoy the show, opting for a light-hearted atmosphere rather than a grim portrayal of death. Bier acknowledges the choice to incorporate dance, moving away from an original nightmarish dream sequence in the script to something that signaled joy and camaraderie, even among unsympathetic characters.
The song selection was intentional; Trainor hails from Nantucket, making it a fitting choice. Despite initial resistance from the cast, including Nicole Kidman, who felt restricted by her costume, the ensemble eventually embraced the dance during a rehearsal dinner. Bier pushed for the creative direction despite pushback, leading to a quick and enthusiastic rehearsal that resulted in capturing the sequence in just an hour and a half.
Bier was careful with the editing process to ensure the audience was engaged but not misled. She emphasized the importance of honesty in storytelling, stating that viewers should never feel cheated by plot twists. The balance of flashbacks and interrogation scenes throughout the series presents both challenges and benefits, contributing light-hearted elements while maintaining narrative clarity.
In discussing the filming on Cape Cod, Bier mentioned it garnered mixed reactions from locals, with some showing interest while others were less receptive to the disruptions caused by the production.
Bier also reflected on her creative process, admitting that being unsure can lead to better filmmaking, especially when trying to balance various tones within a story. As for their follow-up to The Night Manager, Bier confirmed it would build on John le Carré’s original material, with promising new scripts and an intriguing cast.