The sun-drenched shores of a Greek island and the affluent streets of London provide the stunning backdrop for Amazon Prime Video's latest psychological thriller, Malice. The series, which has drawn comparisons to hits like The White Lotus, sees comedian Jack Whitehall in a chilling new role.
From London to the Aegean: An 18-Week Shoot
The production for Malice was an extensive affair, spanning a total of 18 weeks. Filming commenced in London before the cast and crew decamped to the idyllic Cycladic island of Paros in the summer of 2024 to complete the shoot.
During a recent Q&A session, Imogen Cooper from Tailspin Films opened up about the location selection process. She expressed her personal affection for Greece, stating it was "very nice to have an opportunity to explore my love of the country and take everyone along for the ride."
The Perfect Villa for a Dysfunctional Family
The search for the perfect holiday home for the wealthy Tanner family led them to a specific luxury villa on Paros. Imogen Cooper described the find, noting, "We alighted on this villa in Paros which really does feel like Jamie and Nat would have this place."
She elaborated on the villa's character, describing it as "quite a show-offy place" with a certain "masculinity to it in the architecture." The area's rich mythology also provided a fitting subtext for the dark narrative that unfolds.
Beyond aesthetics, the timing of the shoot was strategically planned. Cooper highlighted the practical benefits of filming in May and June, mentioning the "very nice, dry temperature" and the advantage of working before the influx of tourists arrives.
Aspirational Lifestyle and Greek Myths
Writer James Wood provided further insight into the location choice in a separate interview. He acknowledged the influence of shows like The White Lotus, stating, "We all love White Lotus and shows like that, and if you’re going to dramatise this incredibly wealthy venture capitalist husband and his fashionista wife, you want to see that aspirational lifestyle."
Wood wanted to create something that felt like "sunny, gorgeous, aspirational television" that was also a legitimate part of the family's world. His and Cooper's shared love for Greece made it a natural fit, as he felt the family "would have a Greek villa."
The holiday setting also serves a crucial narrative purpose. Wood explained, "It’s also helpful that your guard’s down a bit on holiday, so Adam’s able to weasel his way into their life while they’re relaxing." Furthermore, the location allowed the story to subtly tap into the rich tapestry of Greek myths and storytelling without being overt.
In the series, Whitehall plays Adam, a charismatic tutor who embeds himself into the lives of the Tanner family during a Greek holiday. He then follows them back to their London residence, where his true, vindictive nature begins to surface, sowing discord between Jamie Tanner (David Duchovny) and Nat (Carice van Houten).
Malice is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.
