The Perfect Couple Review: Plot Holes & Unfulfilling Ending

A spoiler-free review of Netflix’s limited series The Perfect Couple Hoping to wrap up summer with a thrilling finale, Netflix dropped the much-anticipated limited series The Perfect Couple on September 5. Based on Elin Hilderbrand’s best-selling novel, the show promised an intriguing mystery set against the backdrop of a lavish Nantucket wedding. However, despite its star-studded cast and captivating source material, the series ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

The Perfect Setup That Misses the Mark

On paper, The Perfect Couple appears to have all the makings of a late-summer binge-worthy hit. The story revolves around the wealthy Winbury family, who are preparing for an extravagant wedding at their oceanside estate. Things take a dark turn when a body is discovered, throwing suspicion on nearly everyone in attendance. The promise of a gripping whodunit and the allure of a scandalous family drama seem like the perfect recipe for success.

However, the series quickly falters under the weight of its ambition. Despite being adapted from a nearly 500-page novel, the six-episode series feels rushed and overstuffed, leaving little room for character development or meaningful resolution.

A Star-Studded Cast Underutilized

The casting for The Perfect Couple is nothing short of impressive, featuring notable names like Nicole Kidman, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, and Meghann Fahy. But even with this talented lineup, the characters feel flat and underdeveloped.

Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury

Kidman portrays Greer, the matriarch of the Winbury family. Known for her commanding screen presence, Kidman’s performance is solid, but her character is disappointingly underutilized. Greer, while complex and intriguing, spends much of the series gazing out of windows or delivering cryptic dialogue without any real impact on the story’s progression.

Eve Hewson Shines but Deserved More

Eve Hewson’s portrayal of Amelia Sacks (renamed Celeste Otis from the novel) is a standout performance, bringing depth to the bride-to-be who finds herself entangled in the chaos. Yet, like many other characters, her storyline feels incomplete, leaving viewers wanting more from her arc.

Meghann Fahy and Dakota Fanning: Impressive but Forgotten

Meghann Fahy, fresh off her success in The White Lotus, plays Merritt, a character that could have been far more compelling. Her performance is captivating, but the script doesn’t give her enough to fully explore the role. Dakota Fanning, portraying Abby, the pregnant wife of the obnoxious Thomas (Jack Reynor), does well in her role but is similarly left with little to work with.

The Familiar Plot Devices We’ve Seen Before

Police Interrogations and Flashbacks

The Perfect Couple employs a familiar storytelling structure, leaning heavily on police interrogations interspersed with flashbacks to piece together the mystery. While this narrative technique can be effective, it feels overused here. Each episode leaves the viewer sifting through red herrings, but instead of adding intrigue, it becomes repetitive and exhausting.

Red Herrings Overload

One of the most frustrating aspects of the series is the excessive use of red herrings. Almost every character is painted as a potential suspect, but instead of adding suspense, it bogs down the narrative. By the end, these misdirections feel more like a lazy storytelling crutch than a clever twist.

Plot Holes and Unresolved Storylines

It’s not uncommon for adaptations to condense or omit details from their source material, but in The Perfect Couple, this is taken to an extreme. Many subplots are introduced but never fully explored, leaving viewers scratching their heads by the time the final credits roll.

What Happened to Those Characters?

Several character relationships are hinted at but never resolved. For example, the tension between two key characters builds throughout the series, only to fizzle out without explanation. The lack of closure is disappointing, particularly when the show sets up certain dynamics that could have added emotional weight to the story.

Cloudy Motives and a Vague Conclusion

While the series does eventually reveal the killer, the motive is left murky. The final episode feels rushed, and the resolution doesn’t pack the punch that viewers expect from a mystery thriller. The unclear reasoning behind the murder leaves the audience with more questions than answers.

Comparisons to Big Little Lies: A Faded Echo

Given its coastal setting, dark secrets, and Nicole Kidman’s involvement, it’s hard not to compare The Perfect Couple to Big Little Lies, another successful limited series. However, where Big Little Lies succeeded in blending character development with its suspenseful plot, The Perfect Couple feels like a shallow imitation.

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The formula of “rich people entangled in scandal by the beach” may have worked before, but here it falls flat. The emotional depth and character complexity that made Big Little Lies compelling are noticeably absent in this series, making it feel more like a watered-down version of its predecessor.

Why The Perfect Couple Feels Like a Missed Opportunity

It’s clear that The Perfect Couple had the potential to be a standout hit. The marketing was effective, promising a thrilling mystery filled with drama, intrigue, and scandal. But somewhere between the page and the screen, that potential was lost.

Too Much, Too Fast

The show tries to do too much in too little time. With only six episodes to unpack a nearly 500-page novel, important details are skimmed over or left out entirely. This leaves the narrative feeling rushed and incomplete, with plot holes and unresolved threads scattered throughout.

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Underwhelming Ending Leaves Viewers Wanting More

By the time the series reaches its conclusion, viewers are left with an unsatisfying feeling. The story doesn’t reach a satisfying resolution, and the suggestion of a second season seems unnecessary. It’s as if the writers tried to cram too many elements into the limited runtime, resulting in a jumbled, overstuffed narrative.

Final Thoughts: Can You Skip The Perfect Couple?

In the end, The Perfect Couple is a series that can be skipped. While it has its moments, particularly with standout performances from Eve Hewson and Meghann Fahy, the overall experience falls flat. The constant red herrings, plot holes, and unsatisfying ending make it a frustrating watch.

If you’re looking for a summer mystery to sink your teeth into, there are better options out there. Despite its star power and intriguing premise, The Perfect Couple ultimately fails to live up to expectations.

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