Nicole Kidman’s latest project, “The Perfect Couple,” showcases a stunning mansion along a picturesque stretch of the US coastline and delves into the lives of the ultra-wealthy. The show features exquisite cashmere fashion, a beautiful seaside setting, and a central murder mystery with multiple potential suspects.
As a blend of elements familiar to fans of luxury murder mysteries, “The Perfect Couple” resembles “Big Little Lies” but is set in Nantucket, Massachusetts, rather than Monterey, California. Notably, it carries traits reminiscent of “The Undoing,” albeit with a more intricate plot, and is reminiscent of “Nine Perfect Strangers” but without its more eccentric elements. It also shares similarities with “The White Lotus,” despite Kidman not being part of that series.
At the heart of the story are Greer Garrison Winbury, played by Kidman, and her husband Tag (Liev Schreiber), who have been married for 29 years. Their seemingly perfect life is questioned, especially as they navigate the upcoming wedding of their son Benji (Billy Howle) to Amelia (Eve Hewson), a woman from a background unfamiliar with luxury.
As the wedding approaches, tensions rise, particularly with Greer, who is resentful of Amelia’s lack of status. She orchestrates the wedding with undisguised disdain, criticizing the bride behind her back all while keeping up appearances. The family dynamic is further complicated by Greer’s other son Thomas, whose pregnant wife Abby (Dakota Fanning) also adds to the drama.
Supporting characters, such as Thomas’s wife Abby and the wedding planner Roger (Tim Bagley), provide additional layers to the narrative, highlighting the extravagant lifestyle of their social circle, which they describe as “unfathomably rich” and “able to get away with murder.”
Lore is woven throughout the show, with intriguing mysteries introduced early on, including strange calls and hidden secrets that play into the overarching plot. Police investigations, led by detective Nikki Henry (Donna Lynne Champlin), become a focal point as they unveil the dark underbelly of the seemingly perfect lives of the characters.
While the show intertwines critiques of wealth and class, it primarily offers an engaging plot packed with suspense and drama, making it a binge-worthy experience. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel by Jenna Lamia, “The Perfect Couple” successfully captures the spirit of a thrilling beach read, providing viewers with a fabulously entertaining escape.
“The Perfect Couple” is available for streaming on Netflix.