REVIEW: ‘The Beast in Me’ Is A Riveting And Timely Psychological Thriller

The Beast in Me is Netflix’s most recent psychological thriller from executive producers Howard Gordon (The X-Files) and Gabe Rotter (The X-Files). Created and written Gabe Rotter, with episodes directed by Antonio Campos, the series features Claire Danes as Aggie Wiggs, Matthew Rhys as Nile Jarvis, Brittany Snow as Nina Jarvis, Natalie Morales as Shelley, Jonathan Banks as Martin Jarvis, and David Lyons as Brian Abbott. 

In The Beast in Me, author Aggie Wiggs is still grieving the tragic loss of her young son. Once a highly acclaimed writer and now suffering from immense writer’s block, Aggie’s life is suddenly upended when she gets a new neighbor, Nile Jarvis. Nile is an ultra-rich real estate tycoon who is a prime suspect in his first wife’s death. Nile and Aggie do not get off to the best start as new neighbors, but Aggie soon becomes wrapped up in Nile’s dark past, setting off a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that blurs the line between truth, deception, and delusion.

The Beast in Me begins at a slow pace, but ramps up the psychological drama and tension with each subsequent episode. The overall mystery of Nile’s first wife’s death initially grabs the audience’s attention for the series. Still, it is the chemistry and tension between Nile and Aggie’s mind games that hold attention until the end of the season. 

Matthew Rhys is excellent, delivering a performance filled with contrasts.

Fascination quickly turns to fixation for both Aggie and Nile with every passing episode. Nile’s pompous attitude and dogmatic nature clash with Aggie’s rough exterior and unyielding demeanor. Danes and Rhys’ dynamic and energy play well off one another throughout the series, and they carry much of the show on their shoulders. 

Rhys is fantastic, knowing how to get into his character and embody the different aspects of his role. Rhys brings a certain charm and domineering attitude to his performance that will keep audiences guessing about Niles’ true character and intentions. Rhys strategically shows different layers of Nile’s psyche, at times vulnerable and human, yet just as often unsettling and dark.

Furthermore, at a time when our society is coming to reckon with the unchecked influence and powers of the ultra-rich, Nile’s characters feel very timely. The showrunners and Rhys seem to understand the decaying morality and quiet menace that come with extreme wealth, and they channel these elements in the character’s writing and performance.

As Aggie, Claire Danes exemplifies the themes of this psychological drama. 

Other standout performances include Brittany Snow as Nina, Niles’ second wife. At first glance, Nina may seem sweet, naive, and unsuspecting, but as the series progresses, Snow’s character proves her resilience and perceptive nature, becoming a true asset to the show’s plot. As a character, Nina leaves a lasting impression on the show.

Themes of grief and obsession converge in The Beast in Me, and Dane’s character exemplifies these themes best. Dane’s performance as Aggie is raw and brutal. Dane expertly portrays her character’s pain, guilt, and neuroticism at every turn of the series in her heart wrenching performance. She is a grieving mother who has lost the life she had once envisioned with her son and ex-wife. Now, Aggie is desperately trying to cling to the last remnants of her family, their house.

Aggie’s obsession with her home and her inability to move forward after her son’s death is one of the best psychological and emotional cores at the heart of the series between truth and denial, control and surrender. As the mystery unfolds over the course of the series, the line between Aggie’s investigation and her own unraveling becomes increasingly blurred.

The Beast in Me is gripping but nearly fumbles the ending. 

The show also explores the effects of obsession through other characters, most notably Brian Abbott. David Lyons portrays FBI Agent Brian Abbott and delivers a strong performance of a dogged agent ruthlessly investigating the truth behind Niles Jarvis’s first wife’s mysterious disappearance. Abbott’s investigation becomes blurred by his obsession as the show progresses. Lyon’s portrayal masterfully captures his character’s guilt and fixation, making him an interesting potential ally for Aggie and her investigation. 

The Beast in Me delivers on the show’s premise and performances within a tight eight-episode run. However, just as the show reaches some of the most intense and climactic moments in the final episodes, it rushes towards the end. It doesn’t diminish the story or show much, but it does leave some of the series’ most decisive emotional moments without much room to breathe. 

Despite some slightly uneven pacing near the season’s end, The Beast in Me is a psychological thriller that excels thanks to strong performances all around and riveting storytelling. The show’s exploration of guilt, grief, and obsession feels authentic and raw, which helps to ground the show’s overarching mystery, characters, and plotlines. The show’s strong, character-driven writing makes every twist and turn feel well-earned. The Beast in Me may not reinvent the genre, but it still delivers a moving and emotionally charged story that is well worth a watch.

The Beast in Me premieres November 13 on Netflix.