The opening title sequence of Netflix’s adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel, The Perfect Couple, takes an unexpected turn with a blend of mystery and humor. The six-part series begins with a suspicious death just before a wedding, raising questions about the guests connected to the deceased. However, before diving into the murder investigation, the cast, led by Nicole Kidman, engages in a lively dance routine set to Meghan Trainor’s song “Criminals” in each episode’s 45-second opener.
This quirky choice serves as an indication of the show’s tone, which aims for a comedic twist rather than a purely somber murder mystery. Director Susanne Bier, known for her Oscar-winning work on The Night Manager and The Undoing, wanted to create a fun atmosphere for viewers. In a recent discussion, she explained that although a dream sequence involving a dance was initially scripted, she opted for a dance number in the opening sequence to convey a sense of joy despite the darker themes at play.
The choreography, crafted by Charm La’Donna, was initially met with resistance from the cast, who were hesitant to participate. Despite doubts expressed by most cast members, including concerns over costume constraints, Bier encouraged them to give it a try. After some convincing, they ultimately embraced the idea and filmed the sequence in about an hour and a half.
The series has garnered attention, climbing to the top of Netflix’s U.S. charts. Bier noted the challenges of editing a murder mystery, emphasizing the importance of honesty in storytelling while keeping audiences engaged. She highlighted the delicate balance of using flashbacks and character interrogations, which could either enrich the narrative or frustrate viewers.
On location in Cape Cod, the filming faced mixed reactions from locals due to the disruption caused by the production. Despite the challenges, Bier highlighted the important undertaking of maintaining the right tone for the series, aiming for a blend of humor and suspense.
In a related note about her future projects, Bier shared her excitement about the upcoming follow-up to The Night Manager, which departs from John le Carré’s original material, describing the early scripts as promising.