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Netflixhere in the final stretch of the year, premiered a new series that instantly restructured my best-of-2025 list. It pretty much kicked all the titles aside, taking its place at the proverbial mountaintop.
I’m talking about the beast inside me, the new, taut one Psychological thriller Which arrived on Netflix last week. I’d seen the title image circulated on TV, but it wasn’t until I heard series star Claire Danes talk about the show on a recent episode of SmartLess Podcast I decided to try this title.
Needless to say, I finished it in three days. Since then, I have not been able to shake it from my being. This is not a complaint.
The Beast in Me stars Danes as Aggie Wiggs, an author struggling to regain literary glory after a devastating accident for her family. Her focus at the beginning of the show was on a book about the relationship between Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. However, she suffers from a massive case of writer’s block, fueled by a deeply unsettling sadness that ultimately drives most of Wigs’ behavior and actions throughout the series.
Everything changes when Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a polarizing figure in the world of real estate development, moves in next door. He is arrogant, wealthy, and someone who thrives on stirring the pot, a behavioral trait that throws Aggie off her axis. What’s more, Nile is here the prime suspect in the death of his first wife, Madison, who disappeared six years ago. To get away from the pressures of the big city – and the media spotlight regarding his possible guilt in the matter – Niall moves to live down the same street from Aggie.
David Lyons stars in The Beast in Me.
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Soon an idea comes to her mind: Should she write a book about this man? Moreover, can she get a clue about his wife’s disappearance, and perhaps confess that he actually killed her?
I’m sure you can see where this is headed. She abandons RBG’s book and focuses her attention on Nile Jarvis, which leads the duo to form a dysfunctional friendship while she works with the FBI behind his back to prove his guilt. To say more would require me to delve into spoilers for the story that makes this show so interesting. So, instead, let’s focus on what makes The Beast in Me a top-notch thriller — and, in my opinion, one of the best Netflix shows of the year.
None of this would have worked without the amazing team of Danes and Rhys. The Beast in Me is an example of two actors giving performances that are completely focused on what’s best for the story. Their dynamic is relentlessly engaging, with Danes leaning into the deeply emotional elements that made her stand out as Carrie Mathison in Homeland, while Rhys emphasizes Nell’s sociable nature, shifting back and forth with ease between Nell’s bright, charismatic side and the malicious, aggressive monster lurking beneath the surface.
What makes his performance even more noteworthy is Reese’s ability to make you sympathize with him, as the show alludes to abuse and trauma from his childhood. I have to admit, it really takes some top-notch acting chops and writing to convey that emotional element of the character without it coming off as eye-popping or ham-fist-worthy. This is a Howard Gordon joint, so I’m not surprised that everything works fine.
Gordon, who was executive producer of Homeland, is showrunner here. His creative reunion with the Danes is nothing short of exciting.
In fact, there were several instances while watching the series where I noticed similarities between Aggie and Nile’s relationship and Carrie and Brody’s relationship on Homeland. Before you ask, the dynamic between Aggie and Nile never gets romantic. However, there is an unhealthy obsession and bloodlust that links the two.
While The Beast in Me is a showcase for Danes and Reese, the supporting cast is nothing to scoff at.
Jonathan Banks stars in The Beast in Me.
Brittany Snow, who plays Nile’s second wife, Nina, could have had more to enjoy throughout the series, but when she’s on screen, she delivers. Jonathan Banks eases into the role of Martin Jarvis, similar to Logan Roy, Nile’s rude and abusive father. David Lyons – whom I instantly recognize from the short-lived superhero series The Cape, with an unexpected delight – is excellent as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is fantastic as Aggie’s ex-wife. Shelley and Tim Guiney are a quiet source of terror as Rick, Martin’s younger brother, nicknamed “The Wrecking Ball.” Basically, everyone on screen serves the story in the best way possible.
The Beast in Me sounds like something Alfred Hitchcock would do if he were alive today. Everything from the camera work and incidental direction to the set design and musical score work together harmoniously. It’s a rare occasion when a limited series like this seems like it gets everything right. I’ve been trying to think of drawbacks, but I haven’t come to a conclusion.
The series is also a breath of fresh air because it has fully earned the “limited series” designation, as when all is said and done, the show closes the loop on its story. There’s certainly room for more seasons, but the story of Aggie Wiggs and Niall Jarvis is a self-contained story with a satisfying ending.
However, the biggest draw of The Beast in Me is the dual nature of the narrative, with Danes and Reese dominating the entire eight episodes. It’s a sparring match that can’t be looked away from, and now it lives rent-free in my head. Clear out some of your space, because if you’re a fan of well-made TV dramas, this show is required viewing.