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What’s a wedding without a little dancing? In the new Netflix murder mystery series The Perfect Couple, Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) and Benji Winbury (Billy Howle) host a glamorous wedding weekend, but it’s not all champagne toasts and romantic vows. A thrilling murder mystery ensues, and strangely enough, so does a full-cast dance sequence in the opening credits, set to Meghan Trainor’s upbeat song, Criminals.
You might be wondering, why is the cast dancing in the opening credits of a murder mystery? Let’s break down the intention behind this unusual yet captivating creative choice.
The Perfect Couple Dance: A Joyful Introduction to a Dark Mystery
The dance sequence in The Perfect Couple Dance might seem like an odd addition to a show about love, betrayal, and murder, but it’s actually a brilliant move by director Susanne Bier and choreographer Charm La’Donna. The dance introduces the audience to the show’s unique tone—dark but playful, thrilling but fun.
Setting the Tone with a Flash Mob
According to showrunner Jenna Lamia, the inclusion of a dance sequence was crucial to set the tone of the series. While The Perfect Couple Dancerevolves around a murder, it’s not all doom and gloom. The opening credits prepare viewers for the quirky blend of suspense and lightheartedness that defines the show. It’s as if the creators are saying, “Yes, someone’s going to die, but you’re going to enjoy the ride.”
The Meghan Trainor Connection
The song choice for the dance, Meghan Trainor’s Criminals, wasn’t random. With its catchy beat and lyrics like “Call us criminals,” the song plays with the audience’s expectations. It forces us to ask, Who’s guilty? The song perfectly underscores the show’s themes of deception, secrets, and, of course, crime.
A Fever Dream of Fun and Suspense
Ishaan Khatter, who plays Shooter Dival in the series, described the dance sequence as “kind of like a fever dream.” And he’s not wrong! The choreography, which Bier wanted to have a Saturday Night Fever vibe, gives the show a surreal quality that elevates it from a typical murder mystery. It tells the audience, This is not your usual whodunit.
The Inspiration Behind The Perfect Couple Dance Sequence
The idea for a dance sequence didn’t come out of nowhere. Gail Berman, executive producer, was inspired by the success of viral dance moments in pop culture, such as Jenna Ortega’s unforgettable moves in Wednesday. Lamia explains that while the shows are tonally different, The Perfect Couple borrows from this trend to create a memorable, fun moment.
Moving Away from the Traditional Thriller Format
What makes The Perfect Couple Dance stand out is its refusal to be a traditional, somber thriller. Bier, known for her intense, serious dramas like The Undoing, wanted to ensure this show was different. Including a joyful, TikTok-esque dance in the opening credits sends a clear message: Expect the unexpected.
A Break from Dark Themes
While murder mysteries often come with heavy, dark themes, The Perfect Couple Dance gives the audience room to breathe and even laugh. The dance reminds us that life, even in the midst of chaos, can be playful and unpredictable. It’s a clever way to ease viewers into the story before the tension and twists truly begin.
The Choreography: Simple Yet Effective
The flash mob-style dance isn’t just for professional dancers. According to Mia Isaac, who plays Chloe Carter, learning the choreography took just 10 minutes! She described it as “Macarena-style,” implying it’s simple and repetitive enough that anyone can pick it up. This adds to the fun and accessibility of the sequence.
A Bonding Experience for the Cast
For the cast, the dance was not only a scene to film but also a bonding experience. Sam Nivola, who plays Will Winbury, admitted that the idea of dancing made the cast nervous at first. However, Charm La’Donna’s easy-going teaching style helped them conquer their fears and enjoy the moment. The shared experience of learning and performing the dance became a memorable part of the production.
The Lasting Impact of a Viral Dance
The decision to feature a dance routine in the opening credits is likely to pay off in more ways than one. As seen with shows like Wednesday, a viral dance sequence can take on a life of its own, leading to fan recreations, social media challenges, and more. While the dance in The Perfect Couple isn’t directly meant for TikTok, it has that infectious energy that could easily catch on.
A Flash Mob with a Purpose
Unlike many viral dance sequences, this one isn’t just about showing off choreography. It serves a purpose in the narrative. By having the entire cast come together in this joyful moment, it builds anticipation and curiosity. Who are these people? How are they connected? And most importantly, who is guilty?
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An Opening That Breaks the Mould
Many murder mystery shows opt for tense, eerie opening sequences to set the tone. The Perfect Couple flips the script by throwing in a vibrant, upbeat dance that gives viewers permission to enjoy themselves while still engaging with the story. It’s a masterstroke in subverting expectations and immediately pulls the audience in.
The Dance as a Metaphor for the Series
The dance can also be seen as a metaphor for the series itself—unexpected, layered, and filled with surprises. Just as the dance moves seem light and fun on the surface, there’s something deeper simmering underneath. The juxtaposition of light-heartedness and mystery mirrors the complexity of the story.
The Director’s Fun Twist
Even director Susanne Bier couldn’t resist joining in. In the final episode, after the credits roll, there’s a bonus clip of Bier dancing with the cast. Her participation shows just how integral this joyful element is to the show’s DNA. As she says, “I had to embarrass myself to let the cast feel like they could laugh and enjoy it!”
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Why Does This Work So Well?
At first glance, the dance might seem out of place in a murder mystery. But in reality, it works because it signals to the audience that The Perfect Couple Dance isn’t taking itself too seriously. Yes, there’s a murder to solve, but it’s also about enjoying the eccentricity of these characters and their world.
A Show That Balances Fun and Mystery
The balance of light-hearted fun with a gripping mystery is a delicate one, but The Perfect Couple manages it effortlessly. The dance embodies this spirit, serving as a playful invitation to enjoy the chaos and intrigue that unfolds.
Conclusion: The Dance Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Ride
Incorporating a dance sequence into the opening credits of The Perfect Couple is a brilliant creative choice that sets the tone for the entire series. It’s a show that’s not afraid to have fun while exploring deeper themes of guilt, deception, and mystery. The dance, set to Meghan Trainor’s infectious Criminals, is not just an entertaining interlude but a thematic element that draws viewers in and keeps them guessing.
If you’re ready for a thrilling ride that’s equal parts fun and suspense, then The Perfect Couple should be your next binge-watch.
FAQs
1. What inspired the dance sequence in The Perfect Couple Dance?
The dance was inspired by executive producer Gail Berman, who saw the success of viral dance moments like in Wednesday. It helps set the playful tone of the series.
2. Why was Meghan Trainor’s song Criminals chosen?
Director Susanne Bier loved the song’s repeated lyric, “Call us criminals,” as it perfectly fit the themes of guilt and crime central to the series.
3. How difficult was the choreography for the cast?
According to Mia Isaac, the choreography was simple and quick to learn, taking only 10 minutes. It was designed to be accessible and fun for all cast members.
4. Why does the dance sequence work in a murder mystery?
The dance sets the tone for the show, signalling that while there’s a mystery to solve, the series also has a light-hearted, fun side.
5. Where can I watch The Perfect Couple Dance?
You can watch The Perfect Couple Dance exclusively on Netflix.