Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Leave it to Netflix To wait until the end of the year to release a new movie Psychological thriller This won’t get out of my head. This show, after a three-day binge, has restructured my best-of-2025 list. Now, it’s basically this series and For many Competing for first place. Yes I said that.
The thriller I haven’t been able to put down is The Beast in Me, the new drama starring Claire Danes that premiered on Netflix three weeks ago. I’d seen the show’s title shown on TV, but it wasn’t until I heard Danes talking about the show on a recent episode of the show SmartLess Podcast I decided to try it. Well, I’m sure glad I did.
In The Beast in Me, Danes plays Aggie Wiggs, an author suffering from the debilitating condition of writer’s block. This is mostly due to a family-shattering incident that left her buried in grief. 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, as I quickly realized, this topic is simply boring.
Everything changes when Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a polarizing figure in the world of real estate development, moves in next door. Arrogant and wealthy, he is someone who thrives on stirring things up, a behavioral trait that throws Aggie off her axis. What’s more, Nile is 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.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.
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. Saying more would require me to delve deeper into the storylines that make this show 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.
Read more: I’m Crushing Your Holiday Watchlist Thanks to These 22 Streaming Service Shows
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.
Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys star in The Beast in Me.
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 well.
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 NBC’s short-lived superhero series, The Cape, with unexpected delight—is excellent as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is wonderful as Shelley, Aggie’s ex-wife. Martin’s younger brother, Rick, nicknamed “Wrecking Ball” (played by Tim Gainey), is a quiet source of terror. 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 all 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.