Star Cast: Nicole Kidman, Ishaan Khatter, Eve Hewson, Liev Schreiber, Michael Beach, Donna Lynne Champlin, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy
Web Series Review: THE PERFECT COUPLE is formulaic but manages to entertain and engage audiences thanks to its performances
Director: Susanne Bier
Synopsis:
THE PERFECT COUPLE is the story of a lavish wedding that ends in a disaster. Benji Winbury (Billy Howle), the middle son of Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman) and Tag Winbury (Liev Schreiber) is getting married to Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) in the sleepy beach town of Nantucket in their family estate. They are joined by other family members like Benji’s elder brother Thomas Winbury (Jack Reynor), Thomas’ pregnant wife Abby (Dakota Fanning), Benji’s younger brother Will Winbury (Sam Nivola) and friends Isabel Nallet (Isabelle Adjani) and Shooter Dival (Ishaan Khatter). Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy), Amelia’s best friend and maid of honour along with Amelia’s parents Bruce Sacks (Michael McGrady) and Karen Sacks (Dendrie Taylor) also make it to the wedding. A day before the marriage ceremony, the Winburys and other attendees have a gala time at the rehearsal dinner. The same night, a death takes place and hence, the wedding stands cancelled. Dan Carter (Michael Beach), chief of police Detective Nikki Henry (Donna Lynne Champlin) arrive at the Winbury estate to find out who died and why and whether there is any foul play. What happens next forms the rest of the series.
The Perfect Couple Story Review:
THE PERFECT COUPLE is based on the book of the same name by Elin Hilderbrand. The template is a bit clichéd as there have been many murder mystery films and series, which are based on a similar idea. But the novel setting and the back stories add to the impact. Jenna Lamia, Bryan M. Holdman, Leila Cohan, Courtney Grace, Evelyn Yves and Alex Berger’s screenplay is engaging, layered and moves at a fine pace. The dialogues are simple and conversational.
Susanne Bier’s direction is neat. The basic plot is something we have seen before – a murder takes place, and the suspects are filthy rich people with dark secrets. But Susanne’s execution and the way she gradually opens the story will keep viewers hooked. From start to finish, she doesn’t let out plot points in one go. In the first episode, we get to know that a murder has taken place, but the director takes a while to uncover who died! This adds to the engagement value. The episodes also end on an unexpected note with viewers zeroing on a new suspect. There’s also an undercurrent of humour going on, especially in the interrogation scenes, and it gives a nice touch to the show.
On the flipside, as much as the makers try to add novelty, the show is still formulaic because of the way it pans out. The pacing is fine, but it also drags in some scenes. It is bewildering that each and every character had dark secrets that can devastate the family and those around them. The actions of some characters are also unconvincing. Also, it might take a while for the audience to understand the motive of the killer; the makers don’t spell it out and expect the audience to join the dots.
The Perfect Couple Performances:
Nicole Kidman, as expected, is terrific to say the least. Her presence and star value elevates the show. Ishaan Khatter has a crucial part and looks super-dashing. He has never looked so desirable on screen and performance-wise, he’s first rate. It’s a show that would find him global fame and also fan following. Eve Hewson shines and plays a difficult role with panache. Liev Schreiber is effortless. Michael Beach and Donna Lynne Champlin leave a huge mark, and their scenes are quite funny as well as dramatic. Dakota Fanning and Meghann Fahy make their presence felt. Billy Howle, Jack Reynor and Sam Nivola lend able support. Michael McGrady and Dendrie Taylor are okay. The others who do well are Isabelle Adjani, Irina Dubova (Gosia), Adina Porter (Enid) and the actor playing Graham.
The Perfect Couple music and other technical aspects:
Trevor Gureckis’ music is functional while the opening title track and its picturization are impressive. Roberto de Angelis and Shane Hurlbut’s cinematography is beautiful. Thanks to their camerawork, viewers will get a desire to visit this picturesque town. Signe Sejlund’s costumes are glamorous and also regal as all the characters are stinking rich. The same applies to Sarah Knowles’ production design. Sam Williams’ editing is decent but, in some places, it could have been slicker.
The Perfect Couple Conclusion:
On the whole, THE PERFECT COUPLE is formulaic but manages to entertain and engage audiences thanks to its performances, characters and execution. The Indian viewers particularly will be happy to see Ishaan Khatter in such a crucial role.
Rating – 3 stars
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