The thriller mini-series genre is experiencing a surge in popularity, with recent hits like “All Her Fault” and “The Beast in Me” capturing viewers’ attention. In this quest for the next must-watch program, streaming executives are turning to popular novels, and Harlan Coben’s adaptation of “Run Away” for Netflix debuted as a significant success earlier this year. Building on this momentum, Netflix has released “His & Hers,” based on Alice Feeney’s 2020 novel, a show that attempts to weave multiple twists into a captivating narrative.
However, “His & Hers” struggles to offer a coherent story despite its ambitious structure. The series is packed with convoluted plot twists that leave viewers perplexed, raising questions about whether the narrative inconsistencies are rooted in the source material or exaggerated by showrunner Dee Johnson’s interpretation. Unfortunately, the series has received criticism for trivializing serious topics, including sexual assault and bullying, often presenting them in a manner that feels frivolous rather than thought-provoking.
One of the most disappointing aspects of “His & Hers” is the underutilization of its talented leads, Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal. Despite their efforts to elevate the material, the pair finds themselves hindered by a script filled with poor dialogue and questionable character decisions. Thompson portrays Anna, an Atlanta journalist returning to her small hometown after the shocking murder of an old classmate. She crosses paths with Detective Jack Harper, played by Bernthal, who reveals himself to be entangled in the crime, having previously been intimate with the victim and sharing a troubled history with Anna.
The show initially teases the potential of creative short storytelling, suggesting a complex web of secrets between Anna and Jack. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes cluttered with multiple suspects and flashbacks to Anna’s youth, raising the question of whether the narrative is genuinely engaging or merely a series of plot contrivances. Alongside Jack’s investigation, Anna complicates the narrative further by entering into an affair with a cameraman, adding layers of personal conflict that don’t quite mesh with the overarching plot.
The emotional depth present in fleeting moments highlights what “His & Hers” could have achieved. Scenes illustrating Anna and Jack’s past trauma related to child loss showcase the possible strength of character-driven storytelling, but the series ultimately peters out in its effort to balance character development with incessant plot twists. The best thriller series, such as “Big Little Lies” or “Mare of Easttown,” demonstrate how character and setting enrich a narrative, something that “His & Hers” fails to grasp.
As the series concludes, the resolution leaves much to be desired, with a myriad of serious themes brushed aside in favor of sensationalism. Anna’s narration aims to hint at a deeper exploration of different perspectives, but the execution falls flat, revealing a narrative more focused on shock value than insightful complexity. Viewers may find themselves questioning whether they have indeed invested their time wisely in a show that offers little more than superficial thrills.