Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?

Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?

As a seasoned reader of romantic dramas, I must say that “The Perfect Couple” certainly lived up to its name – or rather, it showed us the imperfections beneath the facade of perfection. This miniseries took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride, leaving me both heartbroken and hopeful for our beloved couples.


Ever since its premiere on September 5, 2024, the latest murder mystery from Netflix, titled “The Perfect Couple“, has gained significant popularity among viewers. Helmed by Susanne Bier, this series consists of six episodes, each lasting under an hour. It’s only been a few days since the series dropped, and viewers are already drawing comparisons between “The Perfect Couple” and critically acclaimed shows like “Big Little Lies” and “The White Lotus“.

In simpler terms, “The Perfect Couple” boasts an illustrious ensemble cast led by Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury, a stern, controlling, and rather unhappy matriarch. Accompanying her are other gifted actors like Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor, Billy Howle, Sam Nivola, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, and Meghann Fahy. The series unfolds on the beautiful island of Nantucket, starting off cheerfully before leading viewers into a tangled maze of deceitful relationships, hidden secrets, and misleading facades. With numerous surprises and a storyline that occasionally resonates uncomfortably close to reality, “The Perfect Couple” maintains its grip on the audience’s attention.

The Perfect Couple Is Not a True Story

While Netflix often excels at bringing real-life tales to the small screen, “The Perfect Couple” is not derived from true events. Instead, it’s an entirely fabricated storyline. However, the series draws inspiration from a novel written by Elin Hilderbrand, titled “The Perfect Couple,” published in 2018. This was actually Hilderbrand’s debut into the world of murder mysteries, as she is well-known for her romantic novels. Yet, the book found its footing thanks to a captivating mix of love, deceit, and murder.

Just like many adaptations do, Netflix’s “The Perfect Couple” has taken some creative liberties. For instance, the main character’s name was changed from Celeste Otis to Amelia Sacks. Similarly, Shooter Dival and Isabel Nallet have different names in the original text. Furthermore, alterations were made to Amelia and Shooter’s relationship in the series; their bond advances more rapidly compared to the book. However, it’s essential to note that although the general plot remains consistent, with the murderer being the same in both the novel and series, “The Perfect Couple” is not a true story nor an exact replication of the original.

According to director Susanne Bier, although “The Perfect Couple” is a work of fiction, she carefully researched before starting the project. She spent time on Nantucket Island herself, which influenced many of the minor details, like character traits, in the story. As Bier shared in an interview with Town and Country, these details were drawn from her observations on the island.

As I take my seat for lunch, I can’t help but observe the people around me – their attire, the bags they carry, and even the dynamics of their families. Every detail catches my eye, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air. Yet, beneath this vibrant surface, there seems to be an underlying tension that feels almost volatile. Perhaps it’s just the way the series is crafted, making me interpret things in a certain way.

Who Killed Merritt Monaco?

Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?

In this captivating series called “The Perfect Couple,” you’ll be constantly on edge, guessing who the murderer might be. However, just when you think you have them figured out, the show surprises you with an unexpected twist, making your previous assumptions look foolish. The investigation into the murder is complex and tangled, initially deemed an accident, then a murder, only to fade into the background as Greer focuses on her book launch. Meanwhile, the police tirelessly pursue the true perpetrator, one suspect leading to another.

Initially, it seemed like Greer was the prime suspect due to Merritt’s affair with her husband and pregnancy, but in the end, she is acquitted of any wrongdoing. Similarly, the cases against Tag, the Winbury brothers, Shooter, and Isabel fail to hold up. However, it is Abby Winbury, the wife of Thomas Winbury, who is ultimately revealed as the killer. Abby, having secretly drugged Merritt, persuaded her to go for a swim and then held her head underwater, resulting in Merritt’s death.

It appears that Abby intends to kill Merritt because she covets the trust fund belonging to Thomas, which he will inherit when his youngest brother turns eighteen. However, if Merritt gives birth to Tag’s child in the near future, the baby would be considered the youngest Winbury sibling according to the trust fund’s terms, denying Abby access to the money for the next 18 years. As a result, Abby decided to eliminate Merritt as an obstacle to her financial gain.

Do Benji and Amelia End Up Together?

Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?

The final scenes of the miniseries suggest that Benji and Amelia’s romance may not last beyond its conclusion. Initially, they appear blissfully in love at the start of the series, eager to embark on married life together. However, signs of trouble brewing are hinted at when Amelia confides in Merritt about her doubts regarding Benji. She admits feeling a void and lacking that initial passion. Yet, Merritt dismisses these feelings as pre-wedding jitters, promising to stand by whatever decision Amelia makes.

Strife arises in the relationship between Benji and Amelia following Merritt’s passing, which seems to spark something beyond friendship between Amelia and Shooter. The show hints at this throughout certain scenes, leading up to a point where they succumb to their feelings and share a kiss. When Benji discovers them, he is heartbroken. Later, Amelia spends the night with a drunk Benji and pulls away from Shooter, explaining that she needs time to figure out who she is independently.

In the finale of “The Perfect Couple,” Amelia departs from Benji’s house in Nantucket accompanied by her parents, implying that she has ended things with Benji. This decision appears to be a personal journey for Amelia, as she mentioned to Shooter, before fully committing to a long-term relationship. Despite this separation, Benji and Amelia seem to part ways cordially, exchanging hugs and smiles before Amelia departs.

What Happens to Greer and Tag?

Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?Is The Perfect Couple Based on a True Story?

The seemingly flawless bond between Greer and Tag, often highlighted as a key attraction for Greer’s novels, takes a dramatic turn for the worse when inebriated Tag disgraces Greer’s book launch by causing a scene. His candid revelations about their strained marriage leave Greer’s readers stunned, damaging both her reputation and trustworthiness. Despite Enid and the team’s attempts to salvage the situation through having Tag issue an apology for his alcohol addiction and agreeing to rehab, Greer stands firm in her refusal to allow any damage control efforts.

At the family gathering, Greer unexpectedly admits she’s been living a deception all this time. Her kids and their partners are taken aback as she discloses her past as an escort, a profession she shared with her recently introduced brother who handled her appointments. Among her clients was Tag. The narrative concludes with Greer advising Tag to stay in the Nantucket house while she relocates to the city to write her book, implying a likely end to their relationship and the image of their seemingly flawless union. A divorce is not directly discussed, but it’s clear that their connection may be dissolving, shattering the illusion of their perfect partnership.

The Perfect Couple
is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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2024-09-11 01:31