The Perfect Couple
Directed by Susanne Bier
★★★½
Persons Shown
Eve Hewson, Sam Nivola, Nicole Kidman, Billy Howle, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Jack Reynor
Season
1
Episode
3
Description
The Perfect Couple. (L to R) Eve Hewson as Amelia Sacks, Sam Nivola as Will Winbury, Nicole Kidman as Greer Winbury, Billy Howle as Benji Winbury, Liev Schreiber as Tag Winbury, Dakota Fanning as Abby Winbury, Jack Reynor as Thomas Winbury in episode 103 of The Perfect Couple. Cr. Seacia Pavao/Netflix © 2024
Pull Asides Photo
3600 x 2400
Credit
SEACIA PAVAO/NETFLIX
Copyright
© 2024 Netflix, Inc.
The Perfect Couple on Netflix taps into the now-familiar blend of drama, mystery, and glamour, focusing on the ultra-wealthy, much like Big Little Lies or The Undoing. Set on the scenic and affluent island of Nantucket, the show centers on Amelia Sacks, played by Eve Hewson, who is on the verge of marrying into the powerful Winbury family. Her future mother-in-law, Greer Garrison Winbury, portrayed by the ever-dominant Nicole Kidman, is a famous novelist with a perfectionist streak. Greer’s lavish plans for the wedding are upended when a body turns up on the beach, setting off a domino effect of secrets, scandals, and revelations.
The show's premise initially seems to revolve around a picturesque wedding, but as tensions rise and hidden motivations surface, it becomes a murder mystery with everyone as a suspect. The setup feels like it could have come straight out of one of Greer’s own novels, a meta-twist that the show plays with delight. Directed with a sleek, glossy style, The Perfect Couple doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a bingeable, over-the-top drama that revels in its excess.
Nicole Kidman is no stranger to playing sharp, steely matriarchs, and here she excels as Greer Winbury. Kidman’s performance grounds the show’s whirlwind of drama, giving gravitas to a character that could have easily felt too over-the-top. She embodies Greer with a combination of cold ambition and quiet vulnerability, capturing the tension between a controlling mother and a woman desperately protecting her family’s reputation.
Liev Schreiber, as Tag Winbury, the father of the groom, is equally strong, providing a quieter but equally impactful performance. His chemistry with Kidman gives the show a sophisticated edge, and their dynamic as a power couple anchors the show amidst the storm of subplots. Eve Hewson as Amelia, the bride, is charming but not given as much depth in the script, which favors the seasoned stars. She plays the wide-eyed outsider trying to navigate her way into a family that clearly doesn’t want her. Billy Howle, who portrays Benji, the groom, delivers a competent performance, though his character often feels secondary to the Winbury family’s drama.
Among the supporting cast, Meghann Fahy is a delightful standout. Playing Merritt Monaco, the bride’s best friend, Fahy balances sharp wit with deep emotional complexity, often stealing scenes with her effortless charm. Despite being surrounded by a stacked cast of seasoned veterans, Fahy holds her own, delivering a performance that is both dynamic and engaging. Her character brings levity and groundedness to the chaos, and she proves once again that she's capable of commanding attention in any ensemble.
The rest of the cast is packed with talent. Dakota Fanning, as Abby Winbury, the groom’s sister-in-law, shines in a role that capitalizes on her ability to play characters who are both aloof and emotionally fragile. Ishaan Khattar, Jack Reynor, and Donna Lynne Champlin offer solid performances, though they, like many of the side characters, are often overshadowed by the central mystery.
Despite its often predictable script and sometimes heavy-handed approach, The Perfect Couple is acutely aware of what it is: a fun, glossy drama with an addictive quality. It doesn’t shy away from its exaggerated premise, leaning fully into the absurdity of its rich characters and their twisted lives. The lavish sets, from the sprawling Winbury estate to the scenic coastal backdrop, provide a perfect visual complement to the show’s over-the-top narrative.
What makes the show work, despite its flaws, is the strength of the performances and the polished production design. Yes, the script can feel clichéd, and the characters aren’t always as well-developed as they could be, but the combination of stellar acting and gorgeous visuals makes The Perfect Couple a highly entertaining watch. For those who loved the high-stakes melodrama of Big Little Lies, this series will easily fill the void.
