AtanariaThe Perfect Couple is a highly bingeable, stylish murder-mystery series that brings a blend of luxury, family drama, and crime to the picturesque shores of Nantucket. Directed by Jenna Lamia and based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel of the same name, the show successfully captures the essence of a classic summer read while offering enough intrigue to keep viewers glued to the screen from start to finish.
Stunning Visuals and Atmosphere
The first thing that strikes you about The Perfect Couple is its visual appeal. Set against the backdrop of Nantucket, the show is drenched in coastal beauty, from sprawling beaches to an enormous 4,000-bedroom mansion that becomes a central character in itself. The opulent lifestyle of the Winbury family is presented with a cinematic flair, featuring cashmere knits, extravagant settings, and old money aristocracy. Fans of shows like Big Little Lies and The Undoing will feel right at home here, as The Perfect Couple embraces the same luxurious aesthetic but with an added dose of murder and suspense.
The comparison to The White Lotus feels inevitable, as both shows are set against lavish vacation locales and delve into the dark side of wealth and privilege. However, where The White Lotus focuses on sociopolitical commentary, The Perfect Couple is more of a straight-up murder mystery, light on depth but heavy on entertainment.
Complex Characters and Family Dynamics
Nicole Kidman, in a role reminiscent of her work in Big Little Lies, plays Greer Garrison Winbury, a bestselling romantic novelist whose frosty demeanor hides a deeply controlling nature. Alongside her husband Tag (Liev Schreiber), the Winburys represent fifth-generation wealth, and their three sons are embroiled in the central drama of the series. Jack Reynor stands out as Thomas, the eldest and most complicated son, while Billy Howle’s Benji is the golden boy whose impending wedding to Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) sets the stage for the mystery to unfold.
At the core of the family drama is Greer’s icily concealed disdain for Amelia, a woman of far humbler origins, and her efforts to create the “perfect” wedding while sabotaging the bride at every turn. The dynamic between these characters adds layers to the mystery, as almost everyone around the Winburys has a motive for murder, a hallmark of great detective stories.
Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Thomas’ pregnant wife Abby is another highlight. Abby is a sharp, calculating character who operates as a weakness-seeking missile, cutting down those around her with subtlety and grace. The tension between these women, the simmering resentments, and the buried secrets all contribute to a rich ensemble of flawed and morally ambiguous characters.
A Fast-Paced Plot with Plenty of Twists
One of the most impressive aspects of The Perfect Couple is its pacing. The show wastes no time in establishing its central mystery—there’s a murder, and just about everyone has something to hide. The carousel of suspects turns steadily throughout the six-episode arc, and each revelation feels perfectly timed, drawing you deeper into the story.
Donna Lynne Champlin steals the show as Detective Nikki Henry, whose wry expressions and knowing glances say more than words ever could. She embodies the outsider looking in, constantly evaluating the absurdly privileged world she’s investigating while never allowing her disdain to interfere with her professional duties. Her sparring with Michael Beach’s local police chief, Dan, who is suspiciously cozy with the Winbury family, adds another layer of intrigue to the investigation.
The show balances its drama and mystery expertly, with no shortage of red herrings, hidden clues, and interwoven subplots that keep the viewer guessing until the end. Whether it’s an $18,000 bracelet that wasn’t given to its intended recipient or the cryptic phone calls from someone named Broderick Graham, each twist is designed to amp up the tension and provide just the right amount of confusion.
Themes of Class and Power
While The Perfect Couple may not dig deeply into the social commentary of wealth and privilege like The White Lotus, it certainly flirts with these themes. The contrast between the elite Winburys and the more modest backgrounds of characters like Amelia and the local police force is palpable, though the show’s main focus remains on the mystery rather than an exploration of class tensions.
The Winburys’ wealth allows them to manipulate those around them with ease, whether through gifts, subtle threats, or outright dominance, as in the case of their housekeeper Gosia (Irina Dubova), who is loyal to the family in a way that only someone steeped in generational servitude can be. “Without fear, there can be no control,” she chillingly observes, and this sentiment ripples through the show’s treatment of power dynamics within both the family and the wider community.
Entertainment Value Over Substance
The Perfect Couple succeeds where it matters most—entertainment. While it may not have the intellectual depth or biting satire of its murder-mystery peers, it delivers a compelling, well-constructed plot with just enough juicy drama to keep viewers hooked. The show is aware of its own absurdity and leans into it, offering a “glorious, ridiculous treat” for those willing to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
It may not leave you with lingering questions about class structures or morality, but it will leave you eagerly awaiting the next twist in the tale. It’s the perfect summer binge—light, engaging, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
The Perfect Couple is a highly enjoyable addition to Netflix’s murder mystery lineup. With its stunning visuals, well-paced plot, and a cast of characters that ranges from the deeply flawed to the outright villainous, it offers the perfect blend of escapism and intrigue. The show’s luxurious setting and complex family dynamics provide an ideal backdrop for the murder at its center, and while it may not break new ground in the genre, it delivers exactly what it promises—an addictive, classy whodunit that’s hard to put down.
For fans of Big Little Lies, The Undoing, and The White Lotus, this series is a must-watch.
