Netflix, right here within the last leg of the yr, premiered a brand new sequence that instantly restructured my best-of checklist for 2025. It just about kicked all of the titles apart, claiming its spot on the proverbial mountaintop.
I am speaking about The Beast in Me, the taut new psychological thriller that hit Netflix final week. I had seen the title artwork rolling throughout my TV display screen, nevertheless it wasn’t till I heard sequence star Claire Danes communicate concerning the present on a latest episode of the SmartLess podcast that I made a decision to present this title a attempt.
Evidently, I completed it in three days. Since then, I’ve not been capable of shake it from my being. This is not a criticism.
The Beast in Me stars Danes as Aggie Wiggs, an creator struggling to reclaim literary glory after struggling a family-shattering accident. Her focus on the present’s starting is on a guide concerning the relationship between Supreme Courtroom justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Nevertheless, she’s affected by an enormous case of author’s block, fueled by a deeply unsettling grief that finally drives most of Wiggs’ conduct and actions all through the sequence.
Every part modifications when Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a polarizing determine in the actual property improvement world, strikes in subsequent door. He is boastful and rich and somebody who thrives on stirring the pot, which is a behavioral trait that throws Aggie off her axis. What’s extra is that Nile right here is the prime suspect within the dying of his first spouse, Madison, who went lacking six years prior. To get away from the stress of the large metropolis — and the media highlight relating to his potential guilt within the matter — Nile strikes in proper down the road from Aggie.
David Lyons stars in The Beast in Me.
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Quickly, the thought enters her head: Ought to she write a guide about this man? Furthermore, can she get perception about his spouse’s disappearance and, doubtlessly, a confession that he did, in truth, homicide her?
I am certain you possibly can see the place that is going. She ditches the RBG guide and focuses her consideration on Nile Jarvis, which leads the duo to type a dysfunctional friendship whereas she works with the FBI behind his again to show his guilt. To say extra would require me to delve into the story spoilers that make this present such a web page turner. So as an alternative, let’s give attention to what makes The Beast in Me such a top-tier thriller — and, for my part, one among Netflix’s finest exhibits of the yr.
None of this is able to work with out the stellar team-up of Danes and Rhys. The Beast in Me is an instance of two actors delivering performances which can be utterly targeted on what’s finest for the story. Their dynamic is unrelentingly partaking, with Danes leaning into the deeply emotional parts that made her stand out as Carrie Mathison in Homeland and Rhys doubling down on the sociopathic nature of Nile, effortlessly biking backwards and forwards between Nile’s flashy, charismatic facet and the aggressive, malicious monster lurking below the floor.
What makes his efficiency much more noteworthy is Rhys’ potential to make you empathize with him, because the present alludes to abuse and trauma from his childhood. I need to admit, it actually takes some appearing chops and top-notch writing to convey this emotional part in a personality with out it coming off as eyeroll worthy or ham-fisted. This can be a Howard Gordon joint, so I am not stunned all of it works so properly.
Gordon, who was the chief producer on Homeland, is the showrunner right here. His artistic reunion with Danes is nothing lower than thrilling.
The truth is, there have been a number of situations whereas watching the sequence the place I observed similarities between Aggie and Nile’s relationship and that of Carrie and Brody in Homeland. Earlier than you ask, the dynamic between Aggie and Nile by no means will get romantic. Nevertheless, there may be an unhealthy obsession and bloodlust that binds the 2.
Whereas The Beast in Me is a showcase of Danes and Rhys, the supporting solid is nothing to scoff at.
Jonathan Banks stars in The Beast in Me.
Brittany Snow, who performs Nile’s second spouse, Nina, might’ve been given extra to chew on all through the sequence, however when she’s on display screen, she completely delivers. Jonathan Banks effortlessly steps into the Logan Roy-style function of Martin Jarvis, Nile’s gruff, abusive father. David Lyons — whom I instantly acknowledged from the short-lived CW superhero sequence The Cape, with sudden delight — is great as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is incredible as Aggie’s ex-wife. Shelley and Tim Guinee are a quiet supply of terror as Martin’s youthful brother, Rick, nicknamed “Wrecking Ball.” Principally, everybody who seems on display screen serves the story the easiest way potential.
The Beast in Me looks like one thing Alfred Hitchcock could do if he had been alive at the moment. Every part from the digicam work and episodic path to the set design and musical rating works collectively harmoniously. It is a uncommon event when a restricted sequence like this one feels prefer it will get every little thing proper. I have been making an attempt to consider flaws, however I am developing brief.
The sequence can be a breath of recent air in that it absolutely earns the “restricted sequence” categorization, as when all is alleged and carried out, the present closes its story loop. There’s completely room for extra seasons, however the story of Aggie Wiggs and Nile Jarvis is a self-contained one which meets a satisfying finish.
Nonetheless, the largest draw of The Beast in Me is the two-handed nature of the narrative, with Danes and Rhys commanding your complete eight episodes. Theirs is a can’t-look-away sparring match that’s now residing in my head rent-free. Clear some house in yours, as a result of should you’re into well-made tv dramas, this present is required viewing.
