The Better Sister: A Family Drama and Murder Mystery You Can’t Miss

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In the Prime Video limited series The Better Sister, based on Alafair Burke’s bestselling novel, the themes of self-release and intricate family relationships are central, both behind and in front of the camera. The story revolves around two contrasting sisters (portrayed by Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks), who come together when one’s spouse (Corey Stoll) is brutally murdered. However, their shared past, filled with unresolved daddy issues, eventually surfaces, causing a rift in their unity.

Simultaneously off-stage, sisters Olivia Milch (creator) and Elizabeth Milch (producer), who are also real-life siblings, collaborate to adapt Burke’s work for the screen. Their father, David Milch, is renowned for creating shows like Hill Street Blues, NYPD Blue, and Deadwood; a respected figure in the industry, he has openly struggled with addiction, which resonates with some of the challenges faced by the characters portrayed by Biel and Banks in the series.

Together, these elements construct an intriguing murder mystery reminiscent of gripping series such as “The Staircase,” “Candy,” and Paramount+’s “Presumed Innocent.” In contrast to its captivating plotline, “The Better Sister” explores themes that many can relate to – family strife and the emotional toll of chasing personal freedom, hence the title’s “better.” This might not satisfy those seeking a straightforward whodunnit, but Julianne Biel and Mila Kunis deliver exceptional, layered performances, enhancing “The Better Sister” in every aspect.

Twisted Sisters

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on this captivating series. The leading characters, Chloe and Nicky, embody two distinct personalities: Chloe (portrayed by Biel) is ascending in the media world, married to a bustling lawyer, Adam (Stoll), and mother to a teenager, Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan). In stark contrast, Nicky (Banks) grapples with financial struggles and navigates her 12-step program. The unexpected reveal: Ethan is Nicky’s biological son, and Adam was once her partner. The series weaves a past fraught with a troubled father and adult life filled with intricate family dynamics that keep you hooked.

One evening, Chloe comes home from a social gathering to discover Adam severely injured on the floor, with her living room covered in blood. By the second installment, Ethan is apprehended, drawing Nicky further into this intricate tangle of events. However, as it turns out, beneath Chloe’s seemingly flawless exterior hides a multitude of hidden truths. The co-producers, Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado, carefully unveil these secrets bit by bit, through interactions between Chloe and her work colleagues, portrayed by Lorraine Toussaint, Revon Yousif, and Matthew Modine.

In an interesting approach, “The Better Sister” delves deeply into its characters, Chloe and Nicky, giving the audience a comprehensive understanding of them. This is unusual because many projects focus primarily on the main character(s). For instance, “Mare of Easttown” and Paramount+’s adaptation of “Presumed Innocent” also provide rich backstories for their supporting cast. What sets “The Better Sister” apart is this approach, though it can sometimes create a blend of tones within the series, particularly when humorous elements are introduced, which might seem somewhat puzzling to the viewers.

Immersive Performances

Biel and Banks give outstanding performances, and the directors – Stephanie Laing and Craig Gillespie, who have worked on ‘Physical’, managed multiple episodes – could have capitalized on their fame to anchor certain scenes. However, instead of relying on their celebrity status, they immerse themselves in their characters, creating a blend of curiosity and frustration about the decisions Chloe and Nicky make and the secrets they hide.

Although banks often grab attention, the main character’s life has been significantly influenced by family turmoil. While Chloe, played by Biel, tried tirelessly to rise above it, her efforts were in vain. It seems that Chloe and Nicky are not as different as they appear to be, as each episode reveals. The captivating interplay between these two actresses keeps viewers enthralled, as their onscreen chemistry draws us further into a complex, enigmatic world.

Starting in the second episode, flashbacks are introduced, revealing more about the sisters’ father as well as their late mother. With significant personal endeavors on the line for both Chloe (her media business) and Nicky (sobriety and life decisions), the sisters will either tear each other down or provide support to hold each other up. Exceptional performances are delivered by Donovan as troubled son Ethan, Toussaint as Catherine, a formidable businesswoman, Modine as Chloe’s friend Bill, and even Arty (Michael Harney from NCIS: Origins) plays a crucial role in the plot. This limited series, far from being formulaic, skillfully combines family drama and murder mystery, with Biel and Banks at the helm.

The Better Sister premieres on Prime Video on May 25.

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2025-05-28 18:32