Netflix has unleashed a formidable new contender in the psychological thriller genre with The Beast in Me, an eight-part series that sees Claire Danes return to the tense, emotionally charged form that made her a star in Homeland.
A Stellar Cast and Compelling Premise
The series, which began climbing the Netflix charts immediately after its release, features Danes as Aggie Wiggs, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer whose carefully constructed life begins to unravel. The catalyst for this disintegration is her new neighbour, Nile Jarvis, portrayed with chilling precision by Matthew Rhys. Jarvis is a celebrated business magnate who remains under a cloud of suspicion regarding his wife's death.
The impressive ensemble cast extends beyond the two leads, featuring Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, and Jonathan Banks, the beloved Breaking Bad actor. Directing duties are shared by Lila Neugebaue, known for Causeway, and Antonio Campos of The Devil All the Time fame.
From Dusty Script to Streaming Success
The journey of The Beast in Me to our screens is a story in itself. The series was originally penned five years ago by Gabe Rotter, a protégé of X-Files creator Chris Carter. The script might have remained forgotten had it not been for the intervention of Howard Gordon, the powerhouse producer behind 24 and Homeland.
Gordon not only brought the project to Netflix but also successfully recruited his former Homeland star, Claire Danes, to take on the pivotal lead role, ensuring the project had the star power to match its ambitious premise.
Behind the Scenes: Real-Life Reactions
Matthew Rhys recently shared an amusing anecdote about his partner Keri Russell's response to his portrayal of the sociopathic Nile. "When she saw it, she was like, 'This is tailor-made for you. This is the person you truly are. It's about time the world knew who you are'," Rhys joked with The Independent during the series' New York City red carpet premiere earlier this month.
The 50-year-old Welsh actor added, "She saw the beast in me a long time ago and wasn't that impressed then." The couple began their relationship in 2014 while co-starring in FX's critically acclaimed spy drama The Americans. They share three children and consider themselves husband and wife, though Rhys has admitted they "literally haven't got round to marriage yet."
The Verdict: Compelling but Overlong
According to The Independent's Chief Film & TV correspondent Jacob Stolworthy, who has seen the entire series, The Beast in Me presents viewers with a compelling central question: is it worth watching?
The series showcases Danes in exceptional form, delivering the kind of nuanced, emotionally raw performance that has become her trademark. Rhys proves equally compelling as the enigmatic and potentially dangerous neighbour. However, the critic suggests the eight-episode run feels approximately three episodes too long, potentially testing viewer patience despite the strong performances and intriguing premise.
The Beast in Me is available to stream on Netflix now, offering audiences the chance to decide for themselves whether this psychological thriller justifies its runtime or would have benefited from tighter editing.
