Netflix fans get the popcorn and drinks ready for Sept. 5 when “The Perfect Couple” is set to air. Adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel of the same name, the murder mystery stars a slew of famous actors and the scenery of Chatham and Nantucket as its background.
The streaming service released the first official trailer on Thursday.
The mystery brings viewers into the lives of a rich and famous Nantucket couple preparing for the wedding of their son. Nicole Kidman stars as Greer Garrison Winbury, mystery writer and mother of the groom, Thomas Winbury (Billy Howle). Liev Schreiber is Greer’s husband, Tag. Bride Amelia Sacks is played by Eve Hewson and Dakota Fanning is sister-in-law Abby Winbury.
Hilderbrand’s novel shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list weeks after its release in 2018. With 28 romance novels to her name, Hildenbrand is known as the “queen of beach reads,” and her website proves it. Book covers showcase sailboats, waves and water, couples in sunlight and under beach umbrellas. Books are grouped into summer, winter and paradise sections. This novel is her first mystery involving a death, according to Super Summary.
A bridesmaid death
And what a death it is.
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A bridesmaid ends up dead on the morning before the wedding. Found on the beach in front of the spectacular home, the young woman’s death sets off a drama that turns everyone into a suspect.
But at least the visuals are gorgeous including fully blossoming hydrangeas set around a mansion, boats at anchor in front of a line of waterfront homes and a fountain made of glasses overflowing with champagne.
Oh, but there are dark and creepy scenes too. Eve in her white gown looking out the window at the beach – her face uncertain. Tag closing a door slowly in a scene that ends in darkness. Kidman’s face set firm, her arms crossed, her perfectly coiffed blonde hair falling to her shoulders as she sits in a dark interrogation room.
A Chatham neighborhood is the backdrop
The private Eastward Point neighborhood in Chatham serves as a backdrop for the family drama. It’s not hard to imagine the gorgeous home fronting Pleasant Bay fitting right in on Nantucket.
And to give that real Nantucket feel to the story there are scenes from the island itself.
Filming in 2023 was interrupted when members of the Writers Guild of America and their supporters picketed Chatham sites. Streets in the neighborhood were blocked off during the shooting of the film to keep the picketers, and curious bystanders away.
With the film’s release, viewers will get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous, or at least a glimpse inside the mind of Hilderbrand. Living on Nantucket since 1994, and with 28 books to her credit, she’s got a lot to offer those who want a stunningly visual read of her mystery.
Denise Coffey writes about business, tourism and issues impacting the Cape’s residents and visitors. Contact her atdcoffey@capecodonline.com .
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