Netflix, right here within the ultimate leg of the 12 months, premiered a brand new collection that instantly restructured my best-of record 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, but it surely wasn’t till I heard collection star Claire Danes communicate concerning the present on a current episode of the SmartLess podcast that I made a decision to offer this title a strive.
Evidently, I completed it in three days. Since then, I’ve not been capable of shake it from my being. This is not a grievance.
The Beast in Me stars Danes as Aggie Wiggs, an writer struggling to reclaim literary glory after struggling a family-shattering accident. Her focus on the present’s starting is on a e book concerning the relationship between Supreme Courtroom justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Nonetheless, she’s affected by an enormous case of author’s block, fueled by a deeply unsettling grief that in the end drives most of Wiggs’ habits and actions all through the collection.
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 demise of his first spouse, Madison, who went lacking six years prior. To get away from the stress of the massive metropolis — and the media highlight concerning 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 e book about this man? Furthermore, can she get perception about his spouse’s disappearance and, doubtlessly, a confession that he did, actually, homicide her?
I am positive you may see the place that is going. She ditches the RBG e book and focuses her consideration on Nile Jarvis, which leads the duo to kind 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 a substitute, let’s deal with what makes The Beast in Me such a top-tier thriller — and, in my view, one in every of Netflix’s finest reveals of the 12 months.
None of this could 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 fully targeted on what’s finest for the story. Their dynamic is unrelentingly participating, with Danes leaning into the deeply emotional components 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 aspect and the aggressive, malicious monster lurking beneath the floor.
What makes his efficiency much more noteworthy is Rhys’ capacity to make you empathize with him, because the present alludes to abuse and trauma from his childhood. I have to admit, it actually takes some appearing chops and top-notch writing to convey this emotional element in a personality with out it coming off as eyeroll worthy or ham-fisted. It is a Howard Gordon joint, so I am not shocked all of it works so nicely.
Gordon, who was the chief producer on Homeland, is the showrunner right here. His artistic reunion with Danes is nothing lower than thrilling.
In reality, there have been a number of situations whereas watching the collection the place I seen 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. Nonetheless, there’s an unhealthy obsession and bloodlust that binds the 2.
Whereas The Beast in Me is a showcase of Danes and Rhys, the supporting forged is nothing to scoff at.
Jonathan Banks stars in The Beast in Me.
Brittany Snow, who performs Nile’s second spouse, Nina, may’ve been given extra to chew on all through the collection, however when she’s on display screen, she completely delivers. Jonathan Banks effortlessly steps into the Logan Roy-style position of Martin Jarvis, Nile’s gruff, abusive father. David Lyons — whom I instantly acknowledged from the short-lived CW superhero collection The Cape, with sudden delight — is superb as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is unbelievable 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 one of the best ways doable.
The Beast in Me seems like one thing Alfred Hitchcock could do if he had been alive at the moment. Every part from the digital camera work and episodic course to the set design and musical rating works collectively harmoniously. It is a uncommon event when a restricted collection like this one feels prefer it will get every little thing proper. I have been attempting to think about flaws, however I am arising quick.
The collection can be a breath of contemporary air in that it totally earns the “restricted collection” categorization, as when all is alleged and accomplished, 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 all the eight episodes. Theirs is a can’t-look-away sparring match that’s now dwelling in my head rent-free. Clear some house in yours, as a result of in case you’re into well-made tv dramas, this present is required viewing.
