“The Perfect Couple” is an entertaining but ultimately imperfect dive into the world of mystery and romance. Adapted from the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, Netflix’s newest mystery series transports viewers to the idyllic island of Nantucket, where a high-profile wedding is thrust headfirst into chaos after a murder. At first glance, the show has all of the characteristics of a perfect whodunit — a beautiful but isolated coastal setting, a star-studded cast, and enough intrigue to keep the viewers guessing for all six episodes. Yet, despite these strengths, “The Perfect Couple” does not always live up to its title, falling short in character development and pacing.
The story centers around the wedding of Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) and Benji Windbury (Billy Howle), which quickly spirals into any bride’s nightmare when a body is discovered just hours before the wedding ceremony. As the police investigate and secrets are uncovered, everyone in the Windbury family becomes a suspect, including famous novelist Greer Garrison Windbury (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Tag Windbury (Liev Schreiber), the wealthy patriarch of the family. While the murder mystery is gripping, the show struggles to juggle its many plotlines, often diverting attention from the central question: who is the killer?
One of the show’s major strengths lies in its beautiful production design and location. Nantucket’s charm is captured perfectly, with gorgeous sweeping shots of the coastline and the luxurious sprawling property of the Windbury family adding to the show’s appeal. The costume design is just as impressive, showcasing the wealth and privilege of the characters through elegant, beautifully-tailored clothing. The costuming is also instrumental in emphasizing the class tensions between the bride’s middle-class family and the groom’s wealthy one. This attention to visual detail makes the series particularly aesthetically captivating, however, the story is not nearly as enthralling.
The show’s attempt to tackle a murder mystery and deep character studies simultaneously leaves both aspects feeling underdeveloped. Kidman and Hewson deliver strong performances, yet their characters often feel more like stereotypes than fully actualized individuals. The bride’s struggle between loyalty to her family and the truth is compelling, but moments, where her inner conflict could have been explored more deeply, are often cut short by the need to move the plot forward. Perhaps a longer episode count could have helped the show develop both character and plot in full as well as maintain a more relaxed pace.
Despite this, the tension between the two families — one wealthy and glamorous, the other grounded and middle-class — is a central thread that gives the show a layer of emotional depth. Scenes between the Winbury and Sacks families capture the stark contrast between their worlds, providing some insightful commentary on class and privilege. Still, despite having such rich material to work with, “The Perfect Couple” often rushes through these many interactions, missing opportunities to truly explore the nuances of these relationships and the class tension.
The show not only plays on class tension but also excels in adding suspense. Each episode reveals new clues and red herrings, keeping viewers engaged and questioning everyone’s motives. The pacing of these revelations can be a bit uneven, with certain discoveries feeling a bit rushed, abrupt and even unnecessary, leaving the motivations of certain characters feeling muddled. However, the show manages to tie up most of the loose ends by the final episode. The final twist is quite satisfying, though not entirely unpredictable, especially to seasoned mystery enthusiasts.
Ultimately, “The Perfect Couple” is a well-crafted mystery with enough charm and suspense to make for an enjoyable watch. While it may not delve as deeply into its characters’ psyches as it could, the show’s stunning visuals and suspenseful plot will keep viewers hooked until the very end. Though it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth the binge.
