‘The Better Sister’ Stars React to Murder Mystery Reveal: “They Totally Threw Me Off and I Was There”

by

[The following story contains spoilers from the Prime Video limited series The Better Sister.]

During discussions about creating a TV show based on Alafair Burke’s novel The Better Sister, executives at Tomorrow Studios would inquire from potential collaborators about their suspicions regarding the central murder mystery in the story, specifically who had killed Adam Macintosh, portrayed by Corey Stoll in the Amazon Prime Video limited series.

At the premiere of ‘Better Sister’ in New York last month, Becky Clements, president of Tomorrow Studios and executive producer of the show, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that there were diverse opinions. To us, this was ideal because it means no one could guess what would happen next.” (From a gamer’s perspective: “At the New York premiere for ‘Better Sister’, Becky Clements, our boss at Tomorrow Studios, mentioned to The Hollywood Reporter that there were varying responses. To us, this was great since it implies we can’t predict what will transpire next.”)

Even the cast members from “The Better Sister” were taken aback when they found out who was responsible, given that they had contributed significantly in unfolding the storyline.

Maxwell Acee Donovan, the actor portraying Adam’s son and murder suspect, Ethan Macintosh, expressed his surprise when he said, “I was taken aback due to all the unexpected twists and turns in the plot.” He further added, “Even after we finished filming and I’ve been watching it, they still managed to throw me off. I was there during its creation, but I didn’t see the twist coming at all.

The same feeling was also expressed by the actors portraying other crucial figures in Ethan’s court case.

As Austin Smith, the in-game prosecutor, I must admit, I was taken aback when piecing together my case against Ethan. Typically, I’d have figured it all out by now, but this time, I was left stunned. Here’s hoping that gamers share my surprise as they unravel the mystery along with me.

Bobby Naderi, portraying Detective Bowen, expressed frustration over not being able to piece together the clues: “I couldn’t believe I didn’t notice it, yet I was really focusing because I know the kind of environment I’m dealing with. But still, I can’t believe I overlooked that detail. The hints are there, but you have to be extremely attentive and deeply immersed in this world.

As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about Lorraine Toussaint, the brilliant actress behind the character of Chloe’s (Jessica Biel) mentor, Catherine. Just like I did, I hope viewers will be drawn into the captivating maze of twists and turns that this story presents.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself in a pickle more than once when I confidently declared, “I’ve got this mystery solved; I know who the culprit is,” only to be left stunned and muttering, “No way, not them? Not them at all!” It wasn’t until the big reveal that I realized my assumptions were dead wrong. I believe the viewers will embark on a similar adventure, filled with missteps and guesses, which, after all, is what makes it so exciting.

Alongside uncovering the identity of Adam’s killer, audiences also witness Chloe and Nicky (played by Elizabeth Banks) joining forces to safeguard Ethan. This young boy learns the real reasons behind his removal from his birth mother and upbringing by his aunt, which they then work to protect.

For Ethan, who’s already faced a great deal in the storyline, Donovan suggests that there might be some intense mental exploration ahead for his character.

Donovan stated that the individual has significantly changed from where we initially encountered him. He’ll essentially need to start anew and reconsider his identity and interactions with the world. It’s intriguing because, despite being 17 years old, he’s still a teenager. This gives him a rare chance to reshape himself at a young age. However, it seems that this transformation wasn’t something anyone anticipated for him.

As for Chloe, Biel has a radical suggestion of what her character should do next.

She expressed to THR that she hopes Chloe completely shifts her profession, relocates, and embarks on a fresh beginning. She’s considering a change in hairstyle, not that the bob doesn’t suit her well, but feels she needs a different hair color, atmosphere, and wardrobe. In her opinion, Chloe needs a complete makeover, a chance to start anew with her new family.”

Or more casually:

“She told THR that she’d love for Chloe to switch careers, move away, and begin a fresh chapter in life. She thinks she should try out a new haircut, different color, and style, not that the bob isn’t great on her, but feels it’s time for a change. In essence, she believes Chloe needs a complete transformation and a chance to start over with her new family.

Although The Better Sister is a complete limited series adapted from a book, creators Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado have expressed a willingness to delve deeper into the sisters’ story. Milch hinted, “Though at the end of this season, many secrets have been uncovered and mysteries solved, there’s now a new agreement on lies, as well as secrets and decisions that have been made which are setting events in motion.

Milch reiterated to THR at the Better Sister premiere that she and Corrado aimed for the limited series to be “fulfilling and self-contained as a story.” However, regarding potential future developments for the characters, she pondered, “Given where they began, so estranged, what happens now that they’re reunited? Is it feasible? Will they forgive each other? Can they advance, and if so, what would that progression entail?

Corrado also mentioned, “There are still many issues left unsettled. The major problems seem to have been addressed, but not the underlying ones.

Alissa Bachner, executive producer of “Better Sister” and a key figure at Tomorrow Studios, expressed that they would welcome the chance to explore more of the “Better Sister” storyline should the right opportunity arise.

Indeed, we absolutely would,” she said to THR. “Olivia and Regina have a remarkable knack for storytelling and creation, and if they wish to continue their tale, we’d be thrilled about it.”

Or,

“Certainly, that’s what we’d prefer,” she shared with THR. “Olivia and Regina are exceptional at crafting stories, and should they choose to carry on the narrative, we would be delighted.

As a gaming enthusiast who also loves to binge-watch shows, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just discovered that all eight episodes of “The Better Sister” are now available for streaming on Prime Video! If you’re curious about this gripping drama, I highly recommend checking out The Hollywood Reporter’s insightful interview with Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, and the showrunners. It’s a fascinating read that gives a sneak peek into what makes this series tick. Enjoy the ride, fellow streamers!

Read More

2025-06-06 01:55