Netflix's latest limited series, The Perfect Couple, has taken the streaming world by storm since its premiere. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket, this murder mystery interlaces elements of family intrigue, societal expectations, and unexpected twists. Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, the series boasts star-studded talent, including Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, and Dakota Johnson, who all breathe life to characters mired in the lavish yet chaotic lifestyle of the affluent.
One of the most talked-about elements of the show is undoubtedly its quirky opening dance sequence featuring the entire main cast performing to Meghan Trainor's catchy tune "Criminals." This unusual choice, reminiscent of musicals, has become both a point of excitement and contention among viewers and cast members alike.
While the series centers around the sophisticated Winbury family preparing for their son Benji's wedding, not everything goes according to plan. The storyline quickly unravels as the discovery of a body on the beach sidelines the wedding festivities, propelling the narrative forward with unexpected tension and suspense.
Fans are not just captivated by the storyline, but also by the file’s lavish settings which mirror the essence of Hilderbrand’s narrative. Although the show is set on the idyllic Nantucket Island, most filming took place in Chatham, located at the southeastern tip of Cape Cod. This decision was made to capture authentic coastal vibes, fitting the luxurious charm the series portrays. Hilderbrand herself acknowledged the importance of setting, saying, "...the production will have an authentic Cape and island feel."
This creative decision extended to the character dynamics as well, reflecting the personal desires and struggles of each individual against their lavish lifestyles. The series efficiently dives deep, giving viewers insight not only to the central murder mystery but also exploring the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, laden with secrets and envy.
Behind the scenes, the production designers paid careful attention to the show's aesthetics, ensuring each location and room accurately reflects the characters’ personalities. Tag's office, for example, features dark wood tones contrasted by Greer's bold pastel choices. Audiences often pause the show to soak up the details, paying homage to the intricately styled sets created to depict the Winbury family’s extravagant life.
An interesting tidbit emerged from the show's set design; the art department reportedly purchased many decorative items from the HBO series Succession, which had recently concluded filming around the same time. These pieces, now repurposed, lend The Perfect Couple both authenticity and familiarity, blurring the lines of rich-people drama within such affluent settings.
While the murder mystery underpins the narrative, characters imbued with personal conflicts add richness to the plot. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Greer Winbury, the ambitious matriarch, has drawn acclaim as she deftly navigates familial obligations and the chaos ensuing from the murder investigation. Liev Schreiber’s character, Tag Winbury, brings charm but also layers of complexity as tensions rise with the arrival of unexpected family dynamics. Their son, played by Billy Howle, finds himself ensnared between loyalty and love, leading to internal and external struggles.
Hewson plays Amelia, the bride-to-be, who soon becomes deeply embroiled not just in wedding preparations but also faced with the glaring realities of her fiancé’s family. The budding relationship highlights different facets of the marriage theme intertwined with the ensuing chaos.
The dialogue maintains sharpness, enriched with wit and subtext, bringing humor amid the drama. Critics have noted how the series successfully captures the spirit of Hilderbrand's novel, breathing new life and relevance through witty banter and vibrant personalities.
Interestingly enough, the opening dance sequence has taken on its own life outside of the show. While it sparked intrigue, it also faced stiff criticism. Some viewers found the dance jarring and out of place, with comments surfacing on social media like “that f*king dance scene” overshadowing the excitement for the murder mystery. Others labeled it cringe-worthy, noting the stark juxtaposition between the lightheartedness of the dance and the intense themes the series presents.
Cast reactions echoed similar sentiments. Many, including Meghann Fahy and Eve Hewson, voiced their original hesitations about participating, questioning the rationale behind merging such different tones. “Everyone was on the group chat saying they didn’t want to do this because we just didn’t understand,” Fahy shared. Despite the initial trepidation, the dance has surprised many as it offers levity, setting the stage for viewers to embrace the show’s unique narrative style.
Due to its unconventional storytelling approach and stellar cast dynamics, The Perfect Couple has generated considerable buzz and remains at the forefront of viewer discussions. Fans have noted how quickly it captivates, often binge-watching episodes back to back. The hashtag #PerfectCoupleDance has even taken social media by storm, with fans creating their own interpretations and tributes to the sequence.
Whether it’s the tumult of the mystery-at-large, the character development, or the mix of humor and intrigue, there’s no denying The Perfect Couple resonates on various levels, keeping the buzz alive among its engaged audience. Its multi-faceted approach ensures viewers are not just spectators but also dulled participants, prompting them to question what defines the concept of perfection when chaos lurks beneath the surface.
For those yet to experience this trendy series, all six episodes are available for streaming on Netflix. Dive headfirst and discover for yourself the intrigue of The Perfect Couple*, dancing quirks, and all.
