A Lavish Wedding Turned Deadly

On September 5, 2024, Netflix unveiled The Perfect Couple, a six-episode limited series that has taken the streaming world by storm, landing at No. 1 on the platform’s Top 10 TV Shows list with 19.3 million views in its first week, according to Deadline. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 bestselling novel, this glossy murder mystery set in the elite circles of Nantucket has captivated audiences with its intoxicating blend of wealth, scandal, and suspense. Directed by Emmy and Oscar winner Susanne Bier and created by showrunner Jenna Lamia, the series follows a lavish Fourth of July weekend wedding that spirals into chaos when a guest goes missing, and a body washes ashore hours before the ceremony. What begins as a celebration of love transforms into a twisted summer of secrets, lies, and quiet revenge, with every member of the wedding party a suspect.

Starring Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury, the imperious matriarch and bestselling novelist, and Eve Hewson as Amelia Sacks, the outsider bride marrying into Nantucket’s wealthiest family, The Perfect Couple is a masterclass in escapist drama. With a star-studded cast including Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Meghann Fahy, and Jack Reynor, the series weaves a web of deception against the backdrop of Nantucket’s cobblestone streets and cedar-shingled mansions. As secrets burn fast and the investigation unfolds, viewers are left questioning who can be trusted in this idyllic yet treacherous coastal paradise. This article delves into the series’ intricate plot, stunning visuals, standout performances, and the tantalizing hints that make it Netflix’s must-watch mystery of 2024, urging fans to dive in before the champagne dreams fade.

A Wedding Marred by Murder

The Perfect Couple opens with the promise of a picture-perfect event: the wedding of Benji Winbury (Billy Howle), the golden son of the Winbury dynasty, to Amelia Sacks (Hewson), a zookeeper from a modest background. Hosted at the Winburys’ sprawling Summerland estate, the #WinburyWedding is a spectacle of opulence, meticulously orchestrated by Greer (Kidman), who spares no expense on hydrangea-laden decor, custom boats, and Nantucket-red attire. But beneath the glossy surface lies a powder keg of tension. Greer disapproves of Amelia, viewing her as an unworthy addition to the family’s fifth-generation wealth, while the wedding party—including Benji’s older brother Thomas (Reynor), his pregnant wife Abby (Fanning), and maid of honor Merritt Monaco (Fahy)—harbor their own secrets.

The festivities take a dark turn when a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony, as reported by Netflix Tudum []. The missing guest, revealed in the opening minutes, sets off a police investigation led by Chief Ed Kapenash (Tim Bagley), who quickly realizes that everyone—from the Winbury patriarch Tag (Schreiber) to the family’s loyal housekeeper Gosia (Irina Dubova)—has a motive. The series unfolds over six episodes, each peeling back layers of deception through flashbacks, interrogations, and red herrings. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “a frothy whodunit with a soapy heart,” noting its ability to balance suspense with biting social commentary on wealth and privilege [].

The plot is driven by a series of tantalizing clues: an $18,000 bracelet that never reached its intended recipient, cryptic phone calls from a figure named Broderick Graham, and a mysterious pill found on the beach. Pop Culture Planet highlights the “interwoven subplots and hidden clues” that keep viewers guessing, with each episode introducing new twists that deepen the mystery []. Is the killer a scorned family member, a jealous outsider, or someone closer to home? The final twist, described by The Hoya as “satisfying, though not entirely unpredictable,” delivers a shocking revelation that ties the loose ends together while leaving room for reflection []. For fans eager to unravel the puzzle, the series is a binge-worthy escape that demands attention to every detail.

Nantucket’s Allure: A Character in Itself

One of The Perfect Couple’s greatest strengths is its vivid portrayal of Nantucket, a dollhouse-like island off Cape Cod known for its cobblestone charm and old-money aristocracy. Mindfood notes that the series captures “the hydrangeas, the Nantucket red pants, the beat-up boat shoes,” creating a sense of “wealth that looks like it isn’t trying” []. Filmed on location in Massachusetts, with additional scenes in Wilmington, North Carolina, the show’s cinematography, led by Shane Hurlbut, transforms Nantucket into a character of its own. Sweeping shots of Sconset Beach, Brant Point Lighthouse, and the Winburys’ 4,000-bedroom mansion evoke a coastal utopia that masks the “hinterland of avarice and cruel intentions” described by The Arts Desk [].

The production design, overseen by Katie Spencer, is equally meticulous. Asteria Magazine praises the “cashmere knits and extravagant settings” that showcase the Winburys’ privilege, while Amelia’s simpler wardrobe—flowy dresses and practical sandals—underscores her outsider status []. The contrast between the elite Winburys and the working-class locals, including the Sacks family and police, adds a layer of class tension, with The Hoya noting that “scenes between the Winbury and Sacks families capture the stark contrast between their worlds” []. This attention to visual detail, from tailored costumes to opulent interiors, immerses viewers in Nantucket’s seductive yet contentious atmosphere, making every frame a feast for the eyes.

A Star-Studded Cast Shines

The ensemble cast of The Perfect Couple is a major draw, with each actor delivering a performance that elevates the material. Nicole Kidman, as Greer Garrison Winbury, is the standout, embodying a frosty, controlling matriarch whose polished exterior hides a web of secrets. Pop Culture Planet compares her to her role in Big Little Lies, noting that “Greer holds all the cards and power, even when it seems like she’s down on her luck” []. Kidman’s ability to convey disdain with a single glance or cutting remark makes Greer both magnetic and menacing, a novelist whose life seems plucked from her own thrillers.

Eve Hewson, as Amelia, brings a relatable vulnerability to the bride caught between love and suspicion. Mindfood highlights her “characterless” charm as an outsider, with Hewson’s “enviable one-liners” stealing scenes []. Liev Schreiber, as Tag, delivers what The Arts Desk calls “the best reason for watching,” with his “gleefully boundary-busting performance” as a grizzled playboy whose drunken antics disrupt the family’s facade []. Dakota Fanning’s Abby, the pregnant sister-in-law, adds a layer of calculated ambition, while Meghann Fahy’s Merritt radiates “magnetic glamour” that wreaks havoc, per The Arts Desk []. Supporting players, like Jack Reynor as the complicated Thomas and Sam Nivola as the entitled younger brother Will, round out the Winbury dynasty, each with a motive that keeps viewers guessing.

The cast’s chemistry is palpable, particularly in scenes of family tension. A standout moment, teased in the trailer, sees Tag’s drunken speech at Greer’s book launch derail into chaos, with Schreiber’s “stubbly, daredevil panache” stealing the show []. The interplay between Kidman and Hewson, as mother-in-law and bride, crackles with unspoken resentment, while Fahy’s flirtatious Merritt adds a spark that threatens to ignite the entire plot. Us Weekly praises the “star-studded cast list” for pulling in the whodunit crowd, ensuring that every performance lands with impact [].

A Twisted Summer of Secrets and Revenge

The narrative of The Perfect Couple thrives on its ability to keep viewers on edge. Each episode, averaging 45 minutes, unravels new clues and misdirections, from a suspicious phone call to a misplaced bracelet that hints at betrayal. Asteria Magazine describes the show as “a highly bingeable, stylish murder-mystery” with “no shortage of red herrings,” ensuring that “the viewer is guessing until the end” []. The series balances its suspense with dark comedy, with lines like Abby’s warning to Amelia—“Stay on the periphery, where it’s safe”—dripping with irony as danger closes in [].

The theme of quiet revenge permeates the story, as every character harbors grudges and hidden agendas. Netflix Tudum notes that “everyone’s Champagne dreams quickly vanish and are replaced by suspicion,” with the investigation feeling like “it’s plucked from one of Greer’s books” []. The show flirts with social commentary, exploring the Winburys’ ability to manipulate through wealth, as seen in their treatment of Gosia, whose loyalty is “steeped in generational servitude,” per Asteria Magazine []. Yet, as The Hoya points out, the series prioritizes entertainment over deep class analysis, making it “light, engaging, and satisfying” for a summer binge [].

Hints for Season 2, though unconfirmed, have fans buzzing. Us Weekly notes that the series was promoted as a limited run, with no sequel to Hilderbrand’s novel, but the open-ended finale leaves room for speculation []. Could a new mystery unfold in Nantucket, or might the Winburys face fresh scandals? A cryptic X post from Fahy, “Nantucket’s secrets never stay buried,” has sparked theories of a continuation, with fans clamoring for more.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

The Perfect Couple has garnered mixed but largely positive reviews. Its 77% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its appeal, with Variety praising its “gossipy, frothy vibe” but noting that “the material doesn’t always rise to the cast’s level” []. IMDb users are divided, with some calling it “boring” and clichéd, while others laud Kidman and Schreiber’s performances []. The Hoya acknowledges its flaws—uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters—but concludes it’s “definitely worth the binge” for its visuals and suspense []. The show’s 19.3 million views in its debut week, per Deadline, and sustained Top 10 presence through October 2024 underscore its popularity.

Culturally, The Perfect Couple taps into the zeitgeist of wealth-obsessed dramas like Big Little Lies and The White Lotus. Pop Culture Planet draws parallels, noting its “juxtaposition between wealthy transplants and working-class locals” and its exploration of “the dark side of privilege” []. The series’ Nantucket setting, authentic to Hilderbrand’s vision, resonates with fans of her 30+ novels, many set on the island. Mindfood quotes Hilderbrand: “Jenna [Lamia] called and texted me with tiny questions to get Nantucket right” []. This authenticity, combined with the show’s escapist allure, makes it a standout in Netflix’s mystery lineup.

Why You Should Watch Now

The Perfect Couple is a must-watch for fans of twisty whodunits and lavish dramas. Its six-episode format, available on Netflix, is perfect for a weekend binge, with each episode delivering new shocks and stylish visuals. Netflix Tudum teases the first seven minutes, showing the rehearsal dinner’s playful chaos before the body surfaces, setting the stage for a rollercoaster of suspense []. For those intrigued by secrets, the show offers plenty: who is Broderick Graham? What does the pill on the beach mean? And who, among the glittering guests, is capable of murder?

As The Perfect Couple continues to dominate Netflix’s charts, its blend of wealth, lies, and quiet revenge invites viewers to crack the case. With a cast that shines and a setting that seduces, the series is a summer escape that lingers long after the credits roll. Dive into Nantucket’s elite circles, but beware—the secrets burn fast, and the truth might just break your heart.