Why Netflix’s The Perfect Couple Is the Wedding You’ll Wish You’d Skipped
Too bad I can’t get my 6 hours back!
I thought the worst bad decisions ended with Summer, but apparently, I was wrong. If you’re looking to waste a perfectly good afternoon, Netflix’s adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s The Perfect Couple might just be your ticket. I’m all for glamorous murder mysteries with more twists than a pretzel factory, but this show manages to make even a murder mystery feel as exciting as watching paint dry.
As the story unfolds, The Perfect Couple pulls you into Nantucket’s picture-perfect setting and wraps you up in high-society drama. It’s a wedding between a wealthy groom and a beautiful bride, the kind of event where everyone looks like they’ve stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad. But then — bam! — a dead body is discovered, and suddenly, we’re thrown into a classic whodunit. Just like that!
Fans of the book might find the adaptation unsavory like most book fans do but I’ll highlight some differences that stood out.
Book vs. Show: Where’s the Emotional Punch?
In the book, Merritt Monaco’s tragic end is like watching a car wreck in slow motion — heartbreaking, inevitable, and deeply affecting. It’s the kind of finale that demands a box of tissues or a gallon of ice cream. The show, on the other hand, opts for a flashy presentation that’s great if you’re into dramatic visuals and music. But if you were craving that gut-wrenching emotional depth, you might feel like you’ve been given a “meh” version of a five-star meal. Oh God!
Greer vs. Amelia: A Clash of Shallow Depths
The show has a buffet of unlikeable characters. Everyone and anyone could be the killer and I couldn’t care less. But the show’s attempt to draw a contrast between Greer Winbury, played by the enigmatic Nicole Kidman, and Amelia, played by Eve Hewson (she’s adorable) could have been better explored to portray characters worth caring about.
Greer is the cold and calculating mother-in-law who is as messed up as they come. She’s got a full serving of villainous charm while Amelia is presented as the angelic bride with a purity that feels as thin as a wedding veil. Greer’s sinister side could have made for a great clash with Amelia’s saccharine perfection. Instead, we get a surface-level face-off that leaves both characters feeling underdeveloped — one over-seasoned and the other blandly perfect.
To Binge or Not to Binge?
If you’re looking for a binge-watch that dazzles with glamour but lacks emotional depth, The Perfect Couple will do the trick. The show’s sparkle makes it a solid weekend watch, but if you’re hoping for the book’s emotional punch, you might end up feeling like you’ve been handed a glittering package with a few pieces missing.
Cultural Context: More Glitz, Less Grit
The series fits right in with the current wave of high-society dramas — think The White Lotus meets Big Little Lies. It’s got the opulence, the tension, and the secrets that keep you guessing. What it lacks is the book’s message about the imperfections of couples and the destructive power of secrets amidst that glamour. It’s like they put all the frosting on a cake that’s missing the cake.
Visuals, Schmisuals: The Emotional Disconnect
Don’t get me wrong, the show’s looks are on point — they could have been selling me vacation inspiration on a platter. But while your eyes feast on the visuals, your heart might feel a bit empty. The emotional depth of Merritt’s story gets overshadowed by the glitz and glam, making the adaptation feel like a stylish but shallow pool party.
Over to You: What’s Your Take?
Did Netflix’s The Perfect Couple live up to your expectations or were you, just like me, left gaping at the screen in a what-did-I-just-watch scenario? Drop your thoughts and let’s chat about how the show compares to the book. And if you’ve got a wedding story or a hilarious disaster to share, I’m all ears!
