Claire Danes is finally back in this new Netflix hit
Sometimes there are those actors for whom you immediately turn on the TV. After ‘Homeland’, Claire Danes is one of those for us. That she is now the leading lady in Netflix's latest psychological thriller feels like an early Christmas gift. ‘The Beast in Me’ knocks ‘Amsterdam Rijk’ off the Netflix throne for a reason. From the very first second, Danes pulls you into the series, and the further you go, the greater the hunger for answers becomes. This murder mystery needs to be solved.
This is the thrilling story of The Beast in Me
In ‘The Beast in Me’, Claire Danes plays the role of Aggie Wiggs. Once a famous author, with a Pulitzer Prize in her pocket. But when her son dies in a tragic accident, Aggie's life comes to a standstill. For four years, she can't manage to get a single word on paper, while she sinks deeper into a severe depression. Everything changes thanks to her new neighbor, who turns her world upside down. Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) is an influential real estate magnate, but one with a peculiar reputation. He was once the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife and is accused of having murdered her. His (in)nocence remains a mystery, and it is precisely because of this that the case continues to haunt him. For Aggie, this is her chance: her fascination for her neighbor seems to finally break her stubborn writer's block. But her quest for the truth proves to be anything but safe.
Claire Danes is back: the queen of the psychological thriller
Claire Danes has long ceased to be a newcomer in the world of scripts and cameras. As a teenager, she took her first steps on a set, but it was that brilliant role of Carrie Mathison in ‘Homeland’ that earned her a permanent spot on our favorite list. With two Emmys and two Golden Globes, she became someone to watch; and yes, also a bit the queen of psychological thrillers. When the series ended in 2020, it was a bit quiet around her. Roles in miniseries such as ‘The Essex Serpent’, ‘Fleishman Is in Trouble’, and ‘Full Circle’ ensured that we didn't have to miss her completely, but then it got very quiet. Until now. None other than Homeland creator Howard Gordon brought her back to our screens; as leading lady and executive producer. And that golden combination? It still works. Gordon, what's your address? We want to send you a thank-you flower.
What do critics and viewers think?
With a score of 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, we are clearly not the only fans of Danes and ‘The Beast in Me’. However, some criticism needs to be addressed. Some viewers felt that the eight-episode series could have been a bit shorter. Others think that the creators may have tried to fit too many events into a ‘limited time’. Danes also doesn't come out unscathed; her role is said to resemble that of Carrie Mathison from ‘Homeland’, with the same traits and mannerisms. That doesn't sound like a downside to us, but the critical viewers may have wanted to see a different side of her. Well, you can never please everyone. Overall, however, it seems to have worked out quite well. Danes and Rhys are praised for their strong acting, chemistry, and interplay. They pull you through the series and make turning off the TV really not an option. The binge factor of ‘The Beast in Me’ is definitely on the rise. Is the series perfect? No, maybe not. But that number 1 position doesn't come out of nowhere; and as a thriller lover, you will absolutely enjoy this.
Are we getting a second season of The Beast in Me?
After discovering a new Netflix favorite, you always end up with one question: will there be another season? For ‘The Beast in Me’, I went on a little investigation, but drawing a clear conclusion is still difficult. In an interview with TV Insider creator Howard Gordon invokes his right to remain silent, although he does admit that he is open to a sequel. What that sequel would entail remains unclear for now. No worries, we don't do spoilers, but the ending leaves various possibilities open. Unfortunately, there are no concrete plans yet. With the label ‘miniseries’, we need to be cautious with too much hope, but it wouldn't be the first series to break out of this box. For now, it really remains to be seen: the ultimate success will determine whether the Netflix bosses believe in it as well. Only time will tell. ‘The Beast in Me’ is now available on Netflix.
Image: Netflix
