The Perfect Couple series highlights the imperfections that haunt almost all relationships. Greed and desire drive even the most ordinary people to commit scandalous crimes.
The book “The Perfect Couple” by Elin Hilderbrand serves as the loose inspiration and base for this crime with limited scope. However, it is worth pointing out that the creators and writers of this limited mini-series have made quite a few changes to the story of the original book. So, they introduced a motive and a murderer; thereby changing its ending.
“The Perfect Couple” Is A Watchable Crime Drama That Delves Into The Insecurities & Vulnerabilities Of Rich Folks
Trailer (Official): The Perfect Couple (2024/USA) Mini-Series
Synopsis: The Perfect Couple (2024/USA) Mini-Series
Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) is set to marry into one of the most affluent families on Nantucket. Her future mother-in-law, renowned novelist Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman), has meticulously planned what is expected to be the wedding of the season. However, the occasion is disrupted when a body washes ashore. As various secrets are revealed, the atmosphere shifts to one of investigation, echoing the narratives of Greer’s novels, where every guest becomes a suspect.
Spoiler Free Review: The Perfect Couple (2024/USA) Mini-Series
The Perfect Couple is a story about The Imperfect Couple (s)
The luxurious marriage ceremony at the Winbury family house is poised to be a memorable event, as the groom’s wealthy family has made considerable financial commitments to host an opulent gathering at their coastal estate in Nantucket, USA. Nevertheless, the event is set to be etched in memory for all the unfortunate reasons after a tragedy unfolds: a body is uncovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony, causing every individual in the wedding party to be regarded as a suspect.
During his inquiries, Chief of Police Dan Carter (Michael Beach) speaks with the bride, the groom, the groom’s illustrious mother who writes mystery novels, and even a member of his own family, leading him to the conclusion that every wedding is fraught with complications and that no couple is entirely without imperfections.
The show creator Jenna Lamia & director Susanne Bier have exposed human frailties
There is no doubt that both the creator Jenna and director Susanne have fascinatingly depicted human frailties. As we suggested earlier this show is actually about the imperfections that exist among humans. Especially, when it comes to rich folks who more often than not, get away with almost anything, including the murders. In crunch situations, such wealthy people often break their moral compass.
At times, the pace of its storytelling felt slow to us. And we did not like that sluggish pace, which was not moving forward. Wish they could have tightened it a little further.
A sense of urgency would have been much appreciated.
And, maybe they could have utilized the great acting resources in a much more productive and entertaining manner. But, they seemed to have missed the bus.
The ensemble cast in this mini-series has a lot of high-quality performers
Besides the story, the other selling point of this Netflix series is the presence of high-quality performers in the show. The ensemble cast consists of Nicole Kidman (Greer Garrison Winbury), Liev Schreiber (Tag Winbury), Eve Hewson (Amelia Sacks), Meghann Fahy (Merritt Monaco), Dakota Fanning (Abby Winbury), Ishaan Khattar (Shooter Dival), Michael Beach (Dan Carter), etc. So, we picked up this show to watch for its cast.
We have reviewed the work of some of the key cast members in our Focus Magaine:
Nicole Kidman (Expats) Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters), Isabelle Adjani (Dix Pour Cent), Ishaan Khattar (Pippa), etc.
Almost all of them have done a fine job in this family drama. They finely played their respective characters. We specifically liked their well-choreographed dance in this show.
The conclusion
In a murder mystery like this, we often find that the least suspected character often turns out to be the murderer. And this is what happens in this crime drama too. More often than not, the primary motives are always money and greed. No doubt it is a time-passing crime drama that delves into the insecurities and vulnerabilities of rich folks.
Rating:
| FM Rating | 3.35/5 |
Poster:
Key Details:
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Original Langauge | English (USA) |
| Season | One (1) Season |
| Episodes | Six (6) Episodes |
| Creator | Jenna Lamia |
| Writers | Elin Hilderbrand, Jenna Lamia, Courtney Grace, Alex Berger, Leila Cohan, Bryan M. Holdman, & Evelyn Yves |
| Director | Susanne Bier |
| Taglines | A life to kill for. |
| Cast | Nicole Kidman (Greer Garrison Winbury), Liev Schreiber (Tag Winbury), Eve Hewson (Amelia Sacks), Meghann Fahy (Merritt Monaco), Billy Howle (Benji Winbury), Jack Reynor (Thomas Winbury), Dakota Fanning (Abby Winbury), Sam Nivola (Will Winbury), Ishaan Khattar (Shooter Dival), Michael Beach (Dan Carter), Donna Lynne Champlin (Nikki Henry), Nick Searcy (Deputy Carl), Irina Dubova (Gosia), Isabelle Adjani (Isabel Nallet), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
Spoiler Alert: Summary of the Six (6) Episodes & Ending Explained
Summary of the Six (6) Episodes of the Mini-Series
Happy Wedding Eve (S1, E1) | 53 minutes
Wedding guests arrive on Nantucket for the lavish rehearsal dinner at the Winbury estate, but the weddings take a tragic turn when a body is discovered.
She Would Never Do That (S1, E2) | 42 minutes
While police search Summerland for clues, Greer’s swift attempt to control the narrative makes Amelia uneasy. A wedding guest tries to leave the island.
The Perfect Family (S1, E3) | 49 minutes
Greer works to keep up appearances for a magazine interview. Abby shares a scandalous secret. Amelia says the quiet part out loud during a family dinner.
Someone Could Get Hurt (S1, E4) | 44 minutes
Tough questions from Detective Henry deepen Amelia’s suspicions. Greer receives a mysterious call. Tensions rise and tempers flare among the Winburys.
Never Gonna Give You Up (S1, E5) | 53 minutes
As Tag’s movements at the party come under scrutiny, Amelia asks her questions. Greer’s efforts to throw the perfect book launch go awry.
That Feels Better (S1, E6) | 64 minutes
A twist in the police investigation plunges the Winbury family further into crisis. As long-buried secrets emerge, so does the truth about what happened.
The ending of the mini-series is explained and the killer is identified
Merritt Monaco is mysteriously murdered
The night (or one could even say in the early morning hours) before the marriage ceremony, the bride’s closest companion and maid of honour, Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy), is discovered deceased, having been washed ashore on the beach of the Winbury estate.
But was it an accident? Or was it murder? If yes, it was a murder, then who is the killer? And why would someone kill Merritt Monaco?
There are many questions.
Let us try to answer them, one by one.
So, who murdered her Merritt Monaco?
We learn that Abby Stokes Winbury (Dakota Fanning) murdered Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy). She is the pregnant wife of Thomas Winbury (Jack Reynor) in it.
But why did Abby Stokes kill Merritt Monaco?
The Winbury family’s three sons are on the verge of receiving a vast inheritance from their father Tag’s (Liev Schreiber) relatives once the youngest, Will (Sam Nivola), turns 18, which is set to occur shortly after the wedding. Abby and Thomas are in urgent need of these funds, particularly as Thomas is burdened with substantial debt and they are expecting a child.
The situation takes a turn when it is revealed that Merritt Monaco is pregnant with Tag’s child, which would necessitate splitting the inheritance four ways instead of three. More critically, this would delay the inheritance for an additional 18 years, a prospect that is simply unacceptable for Abby.
What kind of circumstances turned Abby Stokes into a killer?
With her husband involved in an affair with Isabel Nallet, a friend of the Winbury family, and struggling with their financial situation as she nears delivery, her feelings of abandonment are somewhat justifiable. Nevertheless, these emotions take a dark turn, leading Abby to prioritize her interests drastically.
And, how did Abby Stokes kill Merritt Monaco?
Little does Amelia Sacks know that her mother, who is battling terminal cancer, had brought three euthanasia pills to the Winbury family estate as a safeguard. Thomas, who relishes the thrill of “prescription roulette,” which involves taking medications from guests for his pleasure, took one of the pills and stashed it in his bedside table drawer. Abby later discovers the pill, crushes it into a glass of orange juice, and offers it to Merritt as a nightcap as they sit together on the beach.
During their conversation, Abby remarks, “To ensure a task is completed correctly, one must take it upon themselves,” just before inquiring if Merritt would like to join her for a night swim. As they venture further into the water, Abby submerges Merritt’s head beneath the surface. Dazed from the drug and unable to resist effectively, Merritt succumbs to drowning.
Abby subsequently abandons her motionless body in the water, where it is discovered by Amelia the next morning, coincidentally the day of her wedding.
It’s a heartbreaking tragedy.
Featured Image – Eve Hewson (Amelia Sacks) and Meghann Fahy (Merritt Monaco).
Poster, Featured and Other Images of The Perfect Couple (2024) Mini-Series | Pictures Credit: Netflix.