‘The Hunting Wives’ Review: Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow Get Hot and Bothered in Netflix’s Deliciously Trashy Drama

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In the third installment of Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives“, character Sophie (Brittany Snow) proposes a hypothesis regarding her stylish new confidante, Margo (Malin Akerman), potentially being involved with a man who is too young for her. Could it be, Sophie speculates, that Margo views this affair as an opportunity to relive or correct past experiences from her solitary and financially strained high school days?

Margo listens attentively, conceding that there could be some merit in Sophie’s argument. However, this isn’t the primary motivation for her actions, she explains. Instead, she engages in these activities just for enjoyment — “just because it’s enjoyable.

Margo’s show and its narrative follow a similar underlying ideology. The Hunting Wives often puts steamy scenes ahead of logical plot progression and well-developed characters, opting for shocking twists over emotional depth or intellectual themes. Yet, it’s both maddening and captivating at the same time.

The philosophy that guides Margo’s series, The Hunting Wives, is similar to its own. This show frequently emphasizes steamy moments over logical storytelling and complex characterization, trading in surprising plot twists rather than emotional resonance or thought-provoking ideas. Despite being quite infuriating at times, it remains incredibly engaging due to its entertainment value.

Originally written by Rebecca Cutter, inspired by May Cobb’s novel “The Hunting Wives“, this mystery thriller series primarily explores the scandalous lives of affluent Texan women rather than the typical action and suspense one might expect from its genre. Within the initial three hours shared with critics (representing an eight-episode season), the narrative focuses on the malevolent nature of high society in East Texas.

Sophie, a previous PR expert who’s recently moved from Boston along with her husband, an architect named Graham (Evan Jongkeit), serves as our entrance into this secluded place. At first, she seems out of place, with her dislike for guns, her simplistic East Coast aesthetic (Graham finds it “a bit Soviet”), and the underlying tension evident in her deep-set, watery blue eyes.

Despite an unusual and somewhat awkward encounter where Margo exposes herself to Sophie in the bathroom, Sophie eventually captures Margo’s attention. It turns out that Margo is a prominent member of an exclusive group of high-rolling, gun-wielding mean girls who are married to powerful men. When asked about their careers, they joke, “We don’t work, we wife!” This group includes Margo, who is married to Jed, Graham’s wealthy boss played by Dermot Mulroney.

On another more refined series, the connection between Sophie and Margo could evolve into a turbulent friendship, or might require multiple episodes or even seasons to become overtly romantic. In contrast, “The Hunting Wives” doesn’t shy away from making its intentions clear. Akerman portrays their interactions in an explicit manner, often appearing almost flirtatious as Margo guides Sophie in shooting lessons or entices her into a game of spin-the-bottle. Snow, on the other hand, seems bewildered by these developments or struggles to hide his growing desire.

Not only Sophie and Margo, but several others are caught up in this whirlwind of passion. Jed, Margo’s husband who occasionally shares his wife’s companionship, approves of this new connection yet it angers Callie, Margo’s best friend and current lover. For now, Margo’s high school flame Brad, dating someone more suited to him, Abby, is unaware of the situation, even though she has attracted unwanted attention from their pastor, Pete. As for the townsfolk of Maple Brook, when they aren’t indulging in the full extent of passion a TV-MA rating permits, they are flirting, self-gratifying, or devising strategies to undermine their sexual adversaries.

The show, titled “The Hunting Wives,” maintains an almost playful disregard for its subject matter, never fully committing to the gravity of the situations depicted. While there are indeed stakes involved – Margo and Jed’s wealth grants them significant power (he is considering a run for Texas governor despite her reservations), but also exposes them to investigative journalists and blackmailers. Sophie’s vulnerability is rooted in a troubled past that continues to haunt her, even from a distance. The looming death hinted at in the initial scenes could potentially steer the series towards a more somber tone; however, the episode that delves most deeply into this matter, the third one, surprisingly contains less explicit sexual content compared to others.

In essence, the show primarily caters to our curiosity about the extravagant lives of wealthy individuals, who exhibit extreme behaviors, such as uncontrolled passion and intense rage. While “The Hunting Wives” does include some humorous moments, like when Brad groans, “Abby, it ain’t my heart,” during an interruption to pray away desire, I found myself laughing more at its audaciousness and the fact that it doesn’t shy away from being bold and explicit.

One distinctive feature that makes “The Hunting Wives” stand out is its frankness, a trait that many other dramas set in conservative regions tend to avoid. Unlike shows like Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon,” this one doesn’t mince words when it comes to political ideologies. Characters openly express their views, with Sophie, for instance, privately criticizing her new acquaintances as being akin to “little Marjorie Taylor Greens,” while they label her a “deplorable.” However, it’s worth noting that none of the characters entirely embody their professed ideologies; even Sophie, who is against the NRA, quickly grows fond of gun ownership. This portrayal of political affiliations serving more as cultural identifiers than deeply held beliefs is quite insightful in its own right.

If soaps similar to Netflix’s “Pulse” build tension slowly by making you grow attached to their characters before they finally share a romantic moment, “The Hunting Wives” shows no inclination towards themes like true love or patience. Most of its unsympathetic, unidentifiable cast members appear undeserving or incapable of genuine romance, instead displaying a reckless sexual desire that could drive them to take extreme risks for a clandestine encounter.

Unlike prestigious series like HBO’s “Succession,” which grapple with the tension between their lofty themes about the destructive influence of excessive wealth and their indulgent wealth-focused appeal, “The Hunting Wives” openly admits it exists solely to entertain. Yes, these characters may be obnoxious, but feel free to judge their selfishness at your leisure; for now, they’re simply here to provide you with a thrilling spectacle.

It’s unlikely that anyone would confuse “The Hunting Wives” with the most profound TV series of summer, or even the kindest or smartest. However, it might not be a stretch to say that it’s one of the most entertaining shows out there. With its mix of scheming and betrayal among the characters played by Margo, Sophie, and others, it promises an exciting ride that could be hard to surpass in terms of pure, over-the-top enjoyment. This series will take viewers on a thrilling journey through Maple Brook, leading to a violent and bloody climax.

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2025-07-20 23:55