Listening to your instincts is always beneficial. That’s what I was urging Claire Danes‘ Aggie Wiggs throughout The Beast in Me. An acclaimed author who has recently endured the heartbreaking loss of her son, Aggie’s latest project focuses on writing a book about Matthew Rhys Nile Jarvis, a character reminiscent of Kendall Roy. He is a real estate mogul with a wealthy father, as rich as Croesus, and both a contemptible person and potentially a sociopath. Unlike <em>Succession</em>‘s leading character, he has been accused of murdering his first wife, Madison. Although Madison is officially missing and Nile has been cleared of any charges, in the court of public opinion, Nile remains the prime suspect.

Dealing with grief and her recent divorce from her ex-wife, Shelley (Natalie Morales), Aggie struggles with writer’s block on her new book. As she begins to narrate Nile’s story, she becomes entangled in his complex life, and her doubts about Nile’s involvement in his wife’s disappearance fluctuate as she grows closer to him. Created by Gabe Rotter, The Beast in Me not only explores the lives and privileges of the powerful and wealthy but also embarks on a mission to uncover and preserve the truth at any cost.

Matthew Rhys & Claire Danes Are Electric in ‘The Beast in Me’

What stands out immediately about The Beast in Me is that the series is supported by two powerful performances from both Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. Danes evokes memories of Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown with her relentless pursuit of her subject. With her personal life in disarray, particularly as she struggles to forgive the teenager involved in the accident that claimed her son’s life, Aggie faces mounting bills and a two-year delay on her next book. Although her first book was a tremendous success — with both Nile and his new wife, Nina (Brittany Snow), being fans of her work — her star is fading. When Nile moves in next door, inspiration strikes again as she finally gets the mogul to open up to her for the first time ever.

Danes’ Aggie is determined, sharp-tongued, and unflinchingly direct. She confronts Niles head-on regarding all the accusations against him and does not tolerate his evasions. She is the ideal adversary for Rhys’ Niles because she is not intimidated by the rumors surrounding him nor swayed by his wealth. Grief still lingers over her, and she isn’t perfectly composed, but when profiling Nile, she’s relentless. She knows exactly how to provoke him into revealing more and meets his gaze with an unwavering stare that demonstrates she won’t back down.

In contrast, Rhys’ portrayal of Nile Jarvis is chillingly effective. Cold, rude, and privileged, he embodies the archetype of a wealthy antagonist. Perfectly groomed and impeccably presented with a beautiful new wife, it’s easy to despise Nile while simultaneously being drawn to his unsettling charm. Rhys deserves accolades for his performance; Nile is so menacing at times that it sends chills down your spine. Even without evidence that he killed his wife, there’s something profoundly unsettling about him. Whether it’s a moment where he silently stares into Aggie’s eyes at lunch or voraciously devours a rotisserie chicken (a scene that makes Denethor’s tomato-eating scene in The Two Towers seem tame), he exudes an aura of predation.

Netflix’s ‘The Beast in Me’ Leans Fully Into Gothic Thrills

The most remarkable aspect of The Beast in Me isn’t just the standout performances but also its full embrace of the gothic genre. It consistently evokes unease, and a suffocating sense of the unknown permeates this narrative. With each truth that Aggie uncovers, another mystery emerges. While the storyline follows a typical mystery crime thriller format, its commitment to gothic elements adds a unique layer that enhances its intrigue. From silent ominous figures to dark stormy nights, the settings of Aggie and Nile’s homes are as crucial to the narrative as the mystery itself.

This pervasive unsettling atmosphere is what propels the series forward. Even when you sense something is amiss, you remain oblivious to the truth. No one can deny that there’s something off about Nile. He’s ruthless and brutal in business dealings, but could it be that he has been misjudged? This uncertainty arises when more members of Nile’s family and his former in-laws come into play. As we learn more about who Madison truly was and how she was perceived by those closest to her, the truth begins to blur.

When Nile’s family arrives, particularly his domineering father Martin (Jonathan Banks), their Succession-like dynamic adds depth to his character portrayal. Martin is an industry titan who matches his son’s ruthlessness with an insatiable desire for control. The Jarvis family’s influence over the city further enhances this dynasty’s mystique. Martin’s obsession with legacy led him to remarry later in life, resulting in two young sons under ten years old. However, this does not lessen his pressure on Nile. The expectations he places on his eldest son reveal cracks in Nile’s typically unshakeable demeanor. All these elements enrich an already compelling narrative.

Netflix’s ‘The Beast in Me’ Will Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat

Saying that the mystery at the heart of The Beast in Me will keep you guessing would be misleading. The fate of Madison Jarvis isn’t particularly shocking; it’s the unfolding story surrounding her murder that captivates viewers. When Aggie begins investigating Nile, she encounters a drunken FBI agent named Brian Abbott (David Lyons) late one night who cautions her about getting too close to the mogul. Although Brian’s credibility takes a hit during their initial meeting, his warning prompts Aggie to delve deeper into investigating Nile and his family.

As she develops trust with Brian, who proves himself to be sincere despite his own struggles, they become increasingly entangled in both Nile’s world and Madison’s demise—these dual investigations maintain an exhilarating pace throughout the series. Brian conducts his own investigation as an FBI agent while grappling with personal demons while Aggie becomes more entrenched with Nile. With each revelation—including one shocking discovery Brian makes during the third act—the tension escalates significantly. It culminates with revelations about what truly happened to Madison alongside a heart-pounding conclusion detailing Aggie’s son’s fate and how her story intertwines with Nile’s ends. From start to finish, it’s impossible to look away from The Beast in Me. Whether due to its talented cast or its intricate plot filled with eerie elements that are both captivating and repulsive, it’s an addictive watch worthy of bingeing for all mystery and crime drama enthusiasts.

The Beast in Me is currently available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.