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As a film enthusiast, I’ll admit that I found it challenging to fully connect with the first season of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring Nicole Kidman, which is another adaptation from Liane Moriarty’s intriguing psychological melodrama novels. While David E. Kelley has proven his knack for tackling unconventional narratives and peculiar mysteries—like in “Boston Legal,” “American Horror Story,” “Anatomy of a Scandal,” and “Pose”—his interpretation of “Nine Perfect Strangers” didn’t quite hit the mark. The general consensus was that it would likely be a one-season production.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say that I never expected a second round for “Nine Perfect Strangers,” but here we are, and surprisingly, it’s become a more intriguing puzzle in its second season. The captivating setting and an exceptional ensemble cast, including Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, Dolly De Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, King Princess, Aras Aydın, Lucas Englander, Henry Golding, Mark Strong, and the mesmerizing Lena Olin – although her screen time could be increased – have certainly upped the ante. This season delves deeper into Masha Dmitrichenko’s character, portrayed by Nicole Kidman, an enigmatic wellness guru who is struggling to break free from the shackles of her haunting past.

Same Premise, Different Setting

In the second season, much like last time, guests find themselves at an exclusive mountain resort, this time nestled in the Alps, embarking on a transformative wellness voyage under the guidance of Masha. Initially, she seems more psychologically robust than in the previous season, but her grief over the loss of her young daughter remains unresolved – as it should be. The audience can’t help but enjoy watching Kidman’s character unfold. This season introduces a twist: Masha’s determination to rectify the past and seek justice drives many of her actions. This mindset also influences how she manages her guests, offering them innovative therapies that incorporate psychedelics for healing and transformation. The Alps retreat is specifically designed for these treatments, while also providing a sanctuary for Masha as American authorities look into her previous activities.

Lena Olin, who is also known as Helena, along with her ambitious son Lucas Englander, who goes by Martin, operate the spa. Masha regards Helena as a savior, but Martin isn’t fond of Masha’s presence. As time passes, tension escalates. The story then introduces various newcomers, starting with Brian, portrayed by Murray Bartlett, who initially appears confused. We later discover that Brian was once a popular children’s show host, but his career took a hit due to an emotional breakdown on set. Throughout the series, it tends to bring together strangers, and Brian develops a connection with Agnes (Dolly De Leon), a former nun who is now dedicated to serving others. Agnes embodies tranquility, while Brian symbolizes chaos.

Unusual figures also include Imogen (Annie Murphy) and Victoria (Christine Baranski), where we can expect some deep-rooted mother-child problems to unfold. On the other hand, Tina and Wolfie (musician King Princess and Maisie Richardson-Sellers) seem to be there for relaxation; however, it’s revealed that Wolfie brought Tina to the spa with hopes of helping her regain her piano skills. As for Peter (Henry Golding), he anticipates his father David’s (Mark Strong, embodying Elon Musk) arrival. Lastly, Mateo (Aras Aydın), Victoria’s young lover, accompanies her but will likely grapple with personal challenges. This season’s spiritual discussions take a more intriguing turn compared to last season, where they were often irritating.

The Way Out is Through (Literally)

Murray Bartlett shines with his portrayal of the hyperactive yet anxious former puppeteer, displaying an impressive spectrum of feelings.

Among these characters, Brian initially stands out as the most captivating, with his mental struggles depicted in flashbacks that resonate with many viewers. Kelley seems to imply that Brian has tumbled off an emotional precipice, suggesting a shared experience for many of us. Dolly De Leon, who has been riveting since her fame soared with Triangle of Sadness, delivers an exceptional performance as Agnes, a character haunted by a traumatic event in a war-zone hospital that she can’t seem to escape. The histories behind Brian and Agnes are the most enticing among this group.

In simpler terms, the dialogue is filled with psychological jargon, or as one might say, it’s all about psychology here and there. Murphy’s character seems to be a typical “misunderstood daughter” type, and Baranski’s role isn’t very flattering either. Golding’s portrayal of Peter, however, is more complex, avoiding the pitfall of turning him into a stereotypical “rich kid.” The characters played by King Princess and Richardson-Sellers as Tina and Wolfie are challenging, but they deliver a convincing relationship that stands out among the rest. Notably, King Princess does an excellent job in her role as the traumatized Tina.

The narrative unveils surprises as it progresses, incorporating unexpected turns that significantly alter the flow of events. A significant element in this series is psychedelics, which Masha employs to guide her guests towards confronting their deepest traumas. However, Masha’s likeability could have made the narrative more palatable. While offering unconventional therapy methods is acceptable, it becomes questionable when the healing process allows the therapist to disregard boundaries, leading to implausible plot twists. Despite these issues, this season seems to surpass its previous one in coherence. Masha’s storyline is effective, the scenery is breathtaking, and Kidman delivers a strong performance. However, it’s Bartlett, De Leon, Strong, and Olin who truly shine, adding freshness, mystery, and intrigue to the series.

Season two of Nine Perfect Strangers premieres May 21 on Hulu. Watch the trailer below.

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2025-05-21 16:09