“The Perfect Couple,” Netflix’s new limited series, presents a familiar blend of elements designed to capture viewers’ attention. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Nantucket beaches, it features an attractive young cast, draws inspiration from Elin Hilderbrand’s frothy 2018 novel, includes a mysterious death for investigation, and portrays the lives of affluent characters. The series aims to echo the success of shows like “Big Little Lies” and “White Lotus,” infusing a mix of suspense and drama that has resonated with audiences in recent years.
Streaming now, “Perfect Couple” (★★½ out of four) feels like a compilation of various familiar tropes, resulting in a story that sometimes lacks focus. It could have benefited from a more concise format, perhaps as a film rather than a multi-episode series with excessive filler. While many modern TV shows tend to drag on without delivering substantial payoff, “Couple” struggles with pacing—starting strong and ending on a high note but suffering through slower segments that feel unnecessarily drawn out.
The series unfolds at a stunning Nantucket mansion owned by the aristocratic Winbury family, led by the icy matriarch Greer (played by Nicole Kidman) and her laid-back husband Tag (Liev Schreiber). They are hosting a grand wedding for their son Benji (Billy Howle) and his middle-class fiancée Amelia (Eve Hewson). The celebration is disrupted when a body is discovered on the beach, unearthing the secrets of this seemingly perfect family.
The cast, including “White Lotus” alum Meghann Fahy as the maid of honor and Dakota Fanning as the unpleasant future sister-in-law, outshines the material. Fanning, in particular, portrays her role with a mean-girl attitude that adds a delightful edge, making her a character viewers love to hate.
Without revealing key plot details as requested by Netflix, it’s important to note that the storyline often lacks coherence. Numerous plot threads arise but are resolved too quickly, and the series does not provide enough red herrings to engage viewers in the investigative aspect. Additionally, the procedural elements unfold at an incredibly slow pace, which can be frustrating for an audience eager for advancement.
Despite its shortcomings, the series ends on a surprising note during its finale, providing a satisfying culmination to the narrative. The melodramatic tone, however, could have been sustained throughout, as evidenced by the opening credits featuring a choreographed dance to Meghan Trainor’s “Criminals,” which might have sparked a TikTok trend if deemed appropriate.
Hilderbrand’s reputation for engaging summer reads might have been better represented had “Couple” premiered during a lazy summer weekend when bingeing the show would feel more fitting. With the crowded offering of new and returning series in September, it may not capture the attention it seeks.
Ultimately, the takeaway is that while the series has its moments, it falls short of the perfection it aims to convey.