The new Prime Video series The Girlfriend, launching on 10 September, is a provocative thriller exploring the toxic dynamics between a mother and her son's new partner. Starring Robin Wright as the possessive mother Laura, and Olivia Cooke as Cherry, the show delves into territory that may be too intense for conventional viewers.
The plot centres on Daniel (Laurie Davidson), a privileged surgeon, who brings his new girlfriend Cherry to meet his family. Tensions quickly escalate as Laura's protective nature clashes with Cherry's hidden past. The women engage in a covert war of threats, secrets, and betrayals, all while maintaining a veneer of politeness.
The series does not shy away from exploring the unsettling closeness between Laura and Daniel, including scenes that hint at an oedipal dynamic. Cherry witnesses them kissing on the lips, and Daniel's own father remarks on the unusual nature of their relationship. The show employs the Rashomon effect, shifting perspectives between Laura and Cherry with bold red title cards, challenging viewers' perceptions of who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist.
Adapted from Michelle Frances's novel by Gabbie Asher and Naomi Sheldon, The Girlfriend is directed in part by Robin Wright. It examines themes of grief, class conflict, and the lengths people go to protect what they love. The series promises a twisting plot, unreliable narrators, and hair-raising revelations, making it a sophisticated power play that may not be suitable for family viewing.
