Matthew Rhys is masterful in his ability to blend charm with an unsettling edge, a talent prominently showcased in his new Netflix thriller, “The Beast in Me.” Known for his role as Phillip Jennings in “The Americans,” Rhys continues to explore complex characters, this time embodying Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul whose wife’s mysterious disappearance shrouds him in intrigue.
In “The Beast in Me,” Rhys’s character interacts with Claire Danes’s Agatha Wiggs, a grieving writer navigating the aftermath of her son’s tragic death. Their relationship becomes a tumultuous dance of curiosity and tension, accentuated by sharp dialogue and Rhys’s unsettling smile, which hints at deeper, darker motivations beneath the surface. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Wiggs’s struggle to craft her manuscript about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Antonin Scalia, with Jarvis dismissing her project as irrelevant and boring during a lunch that he orchestrates.
Wiggs, living in her dilapidated yet beautiful home in Oyster Bay, longs to lash out at Jarvis while simultaneously being drawn to his charismatic but ambiguous presence. Her emotional turmoil is palpable, as she juggles feelings of anger, loss, and a desperate need for a purpose. Meanwhile, Jarvis’s complex familial ties and his own troubled past become points of fascination for Wiggs, adding layers to their interaction.
Danes brings her own unique emotional depth to Wiggs, portraying a character who is sensitive yet fiercely determined. Her ability to convey multiple emotions at once complements Rhys’s calculated charm, creating an engaging dynamic that drives the narrative forward. As their relationship deepens, viewers are treated to a thrilling exploration of grief, manipulation, and human connection.
While the show offers rich performances and a compelling visual narrative, certain plot elements lack clarity and depth. The motivations of secondary characters feel muddled, and some thematic arguments come across as overly simplistic. Despite this, “The Beast in Me” successfully delivers an engrossing tale that captures the complexities of its central characters.
The series ultimately poses intriguing questions about morality, the role of the author in storytelling, and the unexpected relationships that arise from shared trauma. With its mix of suspense and character-driven focus, it invites viewers on a captivating journey, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre of psychological thrillers. The evolution of Wiggs and Jarvis’s relationship proves that even within chaos, a bond can form, offering a glimmer of hope amid their darker realities.