Imperfect Women Review: A Glossy, Derivative Murder Mystery
You cannot claim that Imperfect Women fails to provide fair warning. From the opening scenes—three women dancing in a drunken, joyful haze under perfect lighting—to the earnest voiceover about "a kinship from deep in our souls," the series clearly signals its intentions. This is an overwritten, far-fetched, and glossy murder mystery, heavily inspired by shows like Big Little Lies and echoing much of Nicole Kidman's recent work.
Adjusting Expectations for Entertainment
If you brace yourself for a perfectly acceptable eight hours of entertainment, you will likely have a good time. However, dwelling on the potential for more from an Apple TV production with a stellar cast including Kerry Washington, Elisabeth Moss, and Kate Mara might diminish the enjoyment. So, it is best to avoid such comparisons and instead embrace the comforts of familiarity.
The story opens, much like Big Little Lies, in the midst of a police interview after one of the dancing women has been murdered. Kerry Washington portrays Eleanor, an intergenerationally wealthy philanthropist, who is being interviewed, thus ruling her out as the victim. The deceased is Kate Mara's character, Nancy, the trophy wife of Robert, played by Joel Kinnaman, a wealthy but short-tempered man with a rapacious family.
Plot Twists and Suspects
Robert becomes the prime suspect for the police, though viewers familiar with such dramas might suspect otherwise. Elisabeth Moss rounds out the trio as Mary, a stay-at-home mother married to Howard, an English professor, portrayed by Corey Stoll. The series subtly highlights economic disparities among the friends, with Mary's financial struggles contrasted against Nancy's rise from Bakersfield, California.
As the mystery unfolds, secrets emerge. Nancy had been keeping an affair with someone named David, a fact she shared only with Eleanor. This leads to David becoming a key suspect. Additionally, Davide, an artist played by Theo Bongani Ndyalvane, who painted Nancy nude, adds another layer of suspicion. The plot thickens with more clues, revelations, and platitude-filled dialogue that swings from one cliché to another.
Narrative Structure and Flaws
Different episodes are presented from the perspectives of Eleanor, Mary, and Nancy, adding a layer of interest to the formula. Moss, in particular, brings depth to her portion, but this does not fully disguise the thin substance beneath. Occasional gestures toward larger issues, such as racial dynamics and financial differences, are made but remain superficial observations rather than integral plot points.
Ultimately, Imperfect Women is imperfect but offers enough escapist fun for those willing to lower their expectations. It is currently available for streaming on Apple TV, providing a glossy, if derivative, viewing experience.
