Beast in Me review: Netflix’s absorbing psychological thriller is as gripping as it is razor sharp

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When you think of thrillers, words like dark, intense, and gritty immediately come to mind, and they perfectly describe Netflix’s new series, The Beast in Me. This eight-episode show doesn’t just use these words as marketing terms – it truly embodies them, exploring and delivering a genuinely unsettling and gripping experience.

Starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, the series is both unflinchingly honest and deeply moving. Much of this comes from Danes’ portrayal of Aggie Wiggs, a successful author whose life fell apart after the heartbreaking loss of her son four years ago.

Aggie’s life is disrupted when Niles Jarvis, a wealthy and mysterious real-estate developer with a shadowy past – including rumors about his wife’s disappearance – moves in next door. Intrigued, Aggie begins to write about him, a process that forces her to confront her own painful memories as she tries to uncover the truth.

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Beyond simply asking if Niles was involved in his wife’s fate, The Beast in Me explores a deeper question: could everyone have a hidden, darker side, especially when driven by strong emotions like revenge, sadness, or self-deception?

I’ve been thinking about this show a lot, and it really gets you questioning things. It’s not just about what happens, but why it happens, and what people are willing to do when they’re desperate. It makes you wonder, how far would you go, and what parts of your own sense of right and wrong would you have to let go of if you were in a truly impossible situation? It really digs into what it means to be responsible for your actions, and how much pressure it takes to make someone compromise their values.

The series opens with a close-up of Aggie’s twisted, sorrowful expression. Though she appears emotionally empty, her suffering is vividly portrayed. Niles seems to thrive on her pain.

It’s not immediately clear if their connection starts with curiosity or a sense of recognition, but what develops is a deliberately uneasy chemistry. They’re attracted to each other in a way that’s damaging, like repeatedly picking at an old wound.

“The Beast in Me” is a thriller, so you can expect tension and suspense. However, the creator, Gabe Rotter, doesn’t rush into the action. Instead, the series builds slowly, focusing on creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere before escalating the danger.

Danes and Rhys have incredible chemistry, drawing you into the captivating and unexpected connection between their characters.

Aggie is a bit anxious and carries emotional weight, which sometimes makes her seem difficult, but she never backs down from a challenge, especially when facing off against Niles.

Brittany Snow, known from Pitch Perfect, gives a compelling performance as Nina, the often-overlooked but loyal second wife of Niles. Veteran actor Jonathan Banks, playing Niles’ father, is equally captivating. The dynamic between father and son is surprisingly complex, constantly shifting and revealing new depths just when you think you understand it.

Okay, so if you’re thinking about checking out The Beast in Me – and honestly, you really should – just go in knowing it’s not a twisty, turny kind of show. There are a few little surprises here and there, but it doesn’t depend on those big, shocking moments to keep you hooked. The story is really focused and stays pretty tight, which I actually really liked.

While the ending isn’t particularly surprising, the strong acting and captivating story more than make up for it. You’ll likely be too engrossed to mind the predictability and will simply enjoy the experience.

The Beast in Me is available to stream now on Netflix.

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2025-11-13 17:50