Malice, a glossy new thriller starring Jack Whitehall and David Duchovny, has arrived on Prime Video, pairing two actors in an unexpectedly compelling television event. The series follows Adam, a tutor promoted to the role of male nanny, who is determined to bring down ruthless multimillionaire Jamie Tanner, played by Duchovny. The motives remain unclear early on, but the machiavellian setup drives the narrative forward.
Set initially at the Tanners' opulent Greek island estate, the story moves to their London mansion as Adam ingratiates himself with the family and their guests. Alongside Whitehall and Duchovny, the cast includes Christine Adams and Raza Jaffrey as Jules and Damien, with Carice van Houten appearing as Jamie's wife, Nat. Adam quickly proves useful with his knowledge of classics, cocktails and domestic chores, all while gathering information on his hosts.
His methods are anything but subtle: he flings Jamie's passport into the sea, poisons food and flirts with Nat, while setting traps for the unwary household. Duchovny, best known for The X-Files and Californication, is reportedly at his charismatic best as an entitled billionaire insulated by wealth. Whitehall, meanwhile, holds his own in his first lead dramatic role, showing aptitude for oblique menace if not outright murderous speeches.
Early episodes suggest a fusion of The White Lotus and The Talented Mr Ripley, tapping into familiar fascination with the ultra-wealthy and the underdog determined to bring them down. The review notes it is very good, if not subtle, and describes the series as moreish, bingeable entertainment to carry viewers through to Christmas.
