Australian streaming audiences are in for a treat with Netflix's latest gripping psychological thriller, The Beast in Me, featuring powerhouse performances from Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Story Born from Tragedy and Suspicion
The series opens with a haunting image of Claire Danes' character, author Aggie Wiggs, her face bloodied and contorted in a scream. This powerful introduction perfectly sets the tone for the eight-episode drama that explores darkness, sorrow and deep-seated paranoia.
Danes portrays Aggie, a writer who has been unable to work since the tragic death of her young son in a car accident several years earlier. Her creative block and personal grief form the emotional core of the story, making her vulnerability palpable throughout the series.
The plot thickens when Matthew Rhys, fresh from his acclaimed role in The Americans, arrives as Nile Jarvis - an incredibly wealthy property developer who moves into the mansion next door to Aggie's property. Jarvis carries his own dark history, having been notoriously accused of involvement in his wife's disappearance and suspected death years earlier, though he was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.
An Unlikely and Dangerous Connection
Despite Aggie's attempts to avoid her new neighbour, she finds herself constantly crossing paths with Jarvis, his new wife Nina (played by Brittany Snow), his security-minded uncle Rick (Tim Guinee), and his two intimidating German shepherds.
Jarvis reveals himself as a fan of Aggie's writing and persistently invites her to lunch, even as she resists his advances and opposes his plans to build a jogging path through the woods behind their properties. What follows is a complex dance of attraction and repulsion, as Aggie finds herself drawn to the man she suspects might be a sociopath.
The tension escalates when Aggie abandons her current writing project to focus on Jarvis instead, convincing him to tell his side of the story for the first time. However, she has an ulterior motive - she believes Jarvis is connected to another recent disappearance in their community and is willing to put herself in danger to uncover the truth.
Compelling Performances and Supporting Cast
The series stands out for its exceptional acting, with Rhys delivering what might be his most compelling performance yet as the morally ambiguous Jarvis. Viewers will find themselves constantly shifting between believing in his guilt and considering the possibility that he's simply misunderstood.
Audiences should be prepared for an intensely violent scene in the second-last episode that proves difficult to watch but serves the narrative purpose effectively.
The impressive supporting cast includes Breaking Bad veteran Jonathan Banks, Australian actors David Lyons (ER) and Leila George (Animal Kingdom), along with Hettienne Park (Hannibal) and Natalie Morales (Dead to Me).
Other Streaming Highlights for Australian Viewers
Beyond this standout Netflix thriller, Australian streaming platforms are offering several other notable releases this season.
Binge presents DMV, a workplace comedy set in an American Department of Motor Vehicles office. The series stars Colin from Accounts breakout Harriet Dyer as Colette, a driving test evaluator nursing a crush on new hire Noa (Alex Tarrant). Supported by the delightful Tim Meadows as a veteran employee and Tony Cavalero as his reality-challenged colleague, the show offers light entertainment though it lacks the distinctive spark of classics like The Office or Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Prime Video offers Malice, a psychological thriller that sees comedian Jack Whitehall taking on a more serious role as Adam, a man who manipulates his way into a wealthy family's life. While the series shares DNA with The Talented Mr Ripley and Saltburn, it doesn't explore its themes with the same depth, making Andrew Scott's Ripley on Netflix a potentially better choice for fans of the genre.
The streaming season also brings early Christmas content, including Disney+'s A Very Jonas Christmas featuring the Jonas Brothers playing themselves, and Netflix's A Merry Little Ex-Mas with Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson. Documentary fans can explore Eddie Murphy's career in Netflix's Being Eddie, while action comedy enthusiasts might enjoy Prime Video's Playdate starring Kevin James and Alan Ritchson.
For those seeking more dramatic thrills, Stan has released The Iris Affair, an eight-episode series from Luther creator Neil Cross, while HBO Max offers Wild Cherry, set in an exclusive private school and starring Carmen Ejogo and Eve Best. Paramount+ subscribers can catch the return of Taylor Sheridan's Landman for its second season.
