The Perfect Couple Review: Nicole Kidman’s Netflix Hit with a Shocking Ending You Won’t See Coming!

 Why “The Perfect Couple” Cast & Plot Twist Make it Netflix’s New Must-Watch Murder Mystery

The Perfect Couple: A Star-Studded Netflix Murder Mystery, That’ll Leave You Guessing till the End

If you're a fan of whodunits or just crave some high-stakes drama filled with family secrets, luxurious backdrops, and jaw-dropping revelations, Netflix's The Perfect Couple is exactly what you need to binge this weekend. With its elite cast, including the iconic Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning, and Billy Howle, the series is stacked with talent and, of course, plenty of drama. While it may be an adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel, trust me, the Netflix version is not your typical faithful retelling—it gets darker, juicier, and way more intense.

Let’s dive into the twisted world of Nantucket’s wealthiest family and dissect what makes The Perfect Couple a standout. From its star-studded cast to the suspense-packed episodes, there’s a lot to unpack, so grab your popcorn and settle in!

The Perfect Couple: A Star-Studded Cast That Elevates the Drama

First up, let’s talk about the cast. Nicole Kidman, as Greer Garrison Winbury, truly shines in her role as the elegant yet deeply flawed matriarch. Kidman, who’s no stranger to playing complex characters, delivers a performance that’s as icy as it is vulnerable. She plays Greer with such a level of gravitas that you’re left both admiring and hating her at the same time.

Dakota Fanning, who plays Abby Winbury (the new sister-in-law), is another powerhouse in the cast. Her character might start off as a social-climbing Texan with old-money ties, but as the plot unfolds, she becomes much more than just a pretty face. Abby’s sly wit and catty one-liners are the series’ hidden gems. Fanning’s version of Abby is both hilarious and tragic as she attempts to secure her place in the elite world of the Winburys. It's safe to say, Fanning elevates Abby beyond what was written in the original book, making her one of the most compelling characters on the show.

And then there’s Billy Howle as Benji, Greer’s son and Abby’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Howle’s portrayal is intentionally cryptic and brooding, keeping the audience guessing about where his loyalties truly lie.

One key player that the show’s fans can’t stop talking about is Merritt Monaco, played by Meghann Fahy. Her character’s mysterious death kicks off the entire plot, leading to a police investigation that exposes more secrets than anyone in the Winbury family is ready to handle.

How The Perfect Couple Twists the Source Material

As someone who’s read Elin Hilderbrand’s The Perfect Couple (you know, for those beachy weekend vibes), the Netflix adaptation took me by surprise. While both the book and the series start the same—a luxurious Nantucket wedding ends in a murder—the Netflix version takes liberties with the story that inject it with even more drama.

For starters, the book’s approach to the death of Merritt Monaco is a bit more...subtle. Merritt’s drowning is ruled an accident, with no one truly being held accountable, which is part of Hilderbrand’s overarching theme: even the wealthiest families hide dark secrets, but nothing ever seems to stick. Abby Winbury, who was having an affair with Merritt’s husband, drops a sedative into Merritt’s drink, but her actions are more about frustration than cold-blooded murder.

But in Netflix's version? Oh no, we’re not playing it safe here! Instead, the show turns Abby into a full-blown villain. She knows exactly what she’s doing when she hands Merritt a barbiturate-laced drink. As Merritt struggles to retrieve a ring from the ocean, Abby sees her opportunity and makes sure she never resurfaces. That twist makes Abby’s character even more chilling and adds a layer of satisfaction for viewers who want to see at least one of the privileged get what they deserve.

Not only does the show ratchet up the stakes, but it also dials up the family drama. The Perfect Couple Netflix series cleverly shifts the focus from mere accidents to motives driven by money and power. In the series, Merritt's pregnancy with Tag Winbury’s child (Nicole Kidman’s on-screen husband) complicates an already messy inheritance situation. The Winbury sons are about to receive their trust fund money, but Merritt’s child threatens to delay those plans for another 18 years. Add in greed, adultery, and a power struggle, and it’s no wonder someone wanted Merritt dead. It’s a smart move by the showrunners to add this extra layer, making the murder mystery feel fresh and current.

The Real Juice? It’s Not Just About the Murder

While The Perfect Couple may sell itself as a murder mystery, it’s also a sharp commentary on privilege, class, and how far people will go to maintain their status. Elin Hilderbrand’s novel focused on the cracks in relationships, with the title itself suggesting that no couple is truly perfect. The Netflix version, however, turns that idea on its head, making it clear that privilege and wealth are the real enemies here. The Winburys might appear perfect on the surface, but their privilege allows them to stay insulated from the consequences of their actions. At least, until Abby’s downfall.

One of the best moments of the series comes during Abby’s arrest, where her entitled “I’m pregnant” defense falls flat. She genuinely believes that her wealth and status will protect her from consequences. It’s a brilliant scene, because who doesn’t love watching a one-percenter get exactly what they deserve?

And yet, despite Abby’s arrest, the rest of the Winburys continue living their charmed lives. Tag is so oblivious he doesn’t even notice his wife is being carted off in handcuffs because he’s too busy hitting golf balls at seagulls. The show leaves you with this sense that, even when justice is served, the truly privileged will always find a way to escape unscathed. It’s cynical, but also feels true to life, making it an even more compelling watch.

Despite the stellar cast and binge-worthy format, The Perfect Couple has faced significant criticism for its pacing and deviation from the source material. Many viewers felt that the show’s slow build-up failed to deliver the tension expected from a murder mystery, especially when compared to the original novel’s intricate narrative. Additionally, some fans of Elin Hilderbrand's book were disappointed with the showrunner's choice to turnkey characters into more cynical versions of themselves, dampening the depth of emotional connection they had in the novel. While the show succeeded in portraying the lavish lifestyles and moral ambiguities of the Winburys, the rushed conclusion left certain subplots underdeveloped and lacked the subtlety readers enjoyed in Hilderbrand's work. This divergence between the book and Netflix's adaptation left many fans polarized.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Watch The Perfect Couple

Is The Perfect Couple perfect? Absolutely not. But that’s the point. The characters are messy, the plot twists are satisfying, and the entire cast gives performances that range from deliciously wicked to downright unhinged. Nicole Kidman as Greer is magnetic, Dakota Fanning is sharp and biting, and the rest of the cast holds their own.

The murder mystery alone is reason enough to watch, but what’ll keep you glued to your screen is the family drama, the power plays, and the sharp commentary on wealth and privilege. Plus, the show’s darkly humorous moments provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier themes.

So, if you’re into luxurious settings, complicated relationships, and love a good plot twist, The Perfect Couple on Netflix should be your next binge-watch. It’s not just a murder mystery—it’s a commentary on the cracks beneath the perfect veneer of wealth. And trust me, you won’t be able to look away.