Battling demons and notoriety in ‘The Beast in Me’ was the draw for Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys

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This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s “The Beast in Me,” including the finale.

Late in Netflix’s new thriller, “The Beast in Me,” a surprisingly lighthearted moment breaks the intense tension. Starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys as neighbors with complicated histories who are attracted to each other despite warning signs, the series finds a brief respite thanks to a perfectly timed use of the Talking Heads song “Psycho Killer” and some playful dancing by Rhys.

Rhy asks, dripping with sarcasm, if they really needed to subject an audience to that. He doubts it. He imagines some people might have wondered about his hip movement, while others might have speculated about a possible childhood illness like rickets or polio, suggesting something was physically different about his pelvis.

“Rickets Rhys,” Danes says with a laugh.

“Yes, there he is, look at that — calcified knees,” he says.

During a recent press event in New York, the show’s stars spoke via video call about their new series, now available on Netflix. The show is a suspenseful thriller that constantly keeps viewers on edge. Created by Gabe Rotter (known for the 2016 reboot of “The X-Files”), the series stars Claire Danes as Aggie Wiggs, a writer struggling with grief after the loss of her son. She’s trying to write a new book about the surprising friendship between Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia, despite their opposing political views. Aggie becomes intrigued by her new neighbor, Nile Jarvis (played by Rhys), a powerful real estate developer who was once a suspect in his wife’s murder. Both scared and fascinated by him, Aggie decides to make him the subject of her book, hoping to uncover his secrets while also confronting her own past.

The new series brings together Claire Danes, who also helped produce it, and Howard Gordon, who previously worked with her on “Homeland” as the show’s main creative force. Gordon describes the series as a heightened reflection of today’s world and the way people increasingly isolate themselves into separate viewpoints.

Gordon explains that we’re currently living in a very isolating time, where people create their own stories and believe them to be true. While issues like privilege, race, and class are important, he believes there’s a deeper, more fundamental problem at play. He uses the character Aggie as an example, noting that she’s built a story – blaming others for her own suffering – as a way to cope. However, this mindset proves dangerous, as she actively misinterprets events and ultimately has to confront her own role in what happened to Nile.

Danes and Rhys discussed the growing connection between their characters, what it’s like being in the public eye, and the potential for another season of the show. Below are highlights from their conversation.

Claire, it’s been a while since you last worked with Howard Gordon. How did it feel to collaborate with him again on this series? I understand you specifically asked him to join the project.

It was a really good experience. I’d actually worked with Daniel Pearle – who was also an executive producer on this series – previously on a film adapted from his play, ‘A Kid like Jake.’ Interestingly, they had recently begun collaborating again…

Rhys: Did you put them together?

Daniel and Howard weren’t close before, but they met when Daniel visited the set in Morocco while we were filming. Howard happened to be there that day, which wasn’t always the case. I definitely didn’t bring them together as showrunners for Season 2 of “Accused” – it was just fate. It was great having that existing trust and comfort, especially since they were already working on another project and writing while filming. I wasn’t concerned, though, because Howard had always been so reliable and helped us through tough spots during our time on “Homeland.”

Playing this character caused a similar level of intense emotional struggle as your role as Carrie in “Homeland.” Did having previously explored difficult emotional territory with this character make it any easier?

Working on this project felt incredible, honestly. I just had complete trust in the director and everyone involved – they really knew what they were doing. What I especially loved is how it’s similar to ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ – it looks like a sweet, normal suburban home at first, but underneath that surface, there’s a whole lot of darkness and truly terrifying stuff going on. It’s that contrast that really gets under your skin.

Rhys: And you’re plumbing.

The new Netflix thriller stars Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys as neighbors who both have difficult histories and are immediately drawn to each other, despite recognizing warning signs. Rhys describes the characters as having a strong connection but also being very different people.

She’s having some plumbing problems with the house, apparently. Matthew, what drew you to this series?

The connection between the two characters was unlike anything I’d ever read. It was a really complex relationship, full of subtle details, emotional depth, humor, and playful conflict – it was captivating! I really hoped that would come across on screen. The chance to play this role was incredibly exciting, especially knowing I’d be working with Danes, but also a little daunting.

I’m really fascinated by this book Aggie’s writing – it’s about the surprising friendship between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. It got me thinking, what is it about Aggie and Nile that makes them connect so strongly? What draws those two together, you know?

I don’t believe we ever directly addressed that question, because I suspect they didn’t fully grasp it either. He brought certain hidden aspects of her personality to the surface, allowing her to acknowledge them. She desperately needed that release, but it created complications. Eventually, she resolves those issues. He invigorates her and brings her to life. She was in a terrible state – this paralysis was destroying her. And he’s a very unexpected person to find her in such a vulnerable position. It’s a strange situation, but beautifully so.

Rhys describes the characters as having a strong connection and shared understanding, but also being very different. This combination creates a powerful attraction and makes their dynamic incredibly interesting. Despite both being highly intelligent, insightful people who have experienced similar hardships, they approach life in contrasting ways. Rhys finds it particularly enjoyable to portray the way these two characters grow and change as they interact with each other.

Matthew, can you describe how you first approached understanding the character of Nile? How did you determine how dangerous he was? Did any specific research – like reading or watching something – influence your portrayal of him?

I did some research into personality disorders – things like narcissism and sociopathy, and I even read Jon Ronson’s “The Psychopath Test.” I was particularly interested in cases of impulsive, passionate killings, and how perpetrators often see themselves as the victim, justifying their actions. That idea really influenced how I developed the character of Nile.

The show depicts the number of people he kills, but it hints at a higher number from his past. Did you talk with Howard about the total number of people he’s killed throughout his life?

We had talked about it, and honestly, I only believed there were the two that were mentioned. A story started early on, and those things can sometimes take on a life of their own. So, I stayed with the original number and kept it at two.

Claire, I don’t mean to sound sarcastic, but I think this detail really reveals a lot about what Aggie was thinking and feeling at the time. I’m wondering what it says about her that she’s comfortable opening her door to men who are loudly demanding entry, especially as a woman living alone?

I really enjoyed that part of the pilot episode, especially the imagery of the barking dogs – it was a great way to show her desperation. She’s trapped in a terrible situation and needs to find a way out, and investigating the knocking is her only option. She feels like she won’t survive if she doesn’t take the risk and see what’s on the other side of that door.

Can we talk about the roasted chicken moment? It haunts me.

Rhys admits he’s heard this reaction before, acknowledging the foot-eating scene is disturbing but surprisingly effective. He felt it instantly revealed a lot about Nile’s character, communicating volumes with a single, vivid moment.

This series explores how people confront their inner struggles and harmful habits. While it’s a fictional story with dramatic situations, it really captures what’s happening in the world today – the strong pull towards giving in to feelings of anger and bitterness.

Nile is a strikingly flamboyant and captivating character. Even before we learn he’s a murderer, his dangerous energy immediately grabs our attention, and we find ourselves drawn to him despite ourselves. This feels relevant to the current political climate, where similar boldness can be unsettlingly attractive. The play highlights how we’re not just observers, but actively contribute to this dynamic, almost like we’re drawn to the spectacle of something potentially harmful. Aggie acknowledges her own role in this, which is a valuable point – it makes us consider how we can all be more aware of our own complicity and the choices we make in our lives and society.

Both of these characters are dealing with being famous and how the public perceives them based on their past experiences. As someone who is also in the public eye, what has that been like for you?

I’ve only felt that level of intense emotion once, and it happened when Keri and I had our child. We generally avoid paparazzi, but they waited for days to get a photo of our baby. It made me incredibly angry – a fiercely protective instinct I didn’t know I possessed. It sounds cliché, but it was a very raw, burning feeling. That was the only time I’ve ever had to deal with something like that.

Before social media, when tabloids were more prominent, I experienced a lot of unwanted attention from the paparazzi, especially when I wasn’t married. It was difficult, but it eventually died down. I don’t use social media now, though I might consider it in the future – if I do, I’ll be very cautious. I prefer to just be myself, and people quickly realize I’m just a regular person, like anyone else you’d meet.

Rhys: That’s not what I said. [Danes laughs]

I’ve found a good balance with my level of fame. I can build on it if I want, but it’s also a conscious choice. It’s different from the fame some of my colleagues have; I’m at a comfortable point where I can work on large projects and generally move through life easily, and I appreciate that. Someone like Jennifer Aniston deals with a completely different level of attention, and I honestly can’t even picture what that’s like.

Claire Danes stars as Aggie Wiggs in “The Beast In Me,” a writer struggling with the death of her son. Matthew Rhys plays Nile, a rich property developer who was once a suspect in his wife’s murder. Danes describes Nile as a strikingly dramatic character, explaining that even before his potential for violence is revealed, his dangerous aura is captivating.

Let’s discuss the prison scene from the finale. What stood out to you about the last conversation between the two characters? And what are your thoughts on how things turned out for your characters in the end?

Rhys: It’s all out in the open now. There are no secrets left. The situation is resolved, and everything is finished – we’ve navigated the difficult parts and finally come together. I especially appreciated the genuine emotion of that moment. However, you can still see traces of Nile’s influence remaining.

Danes is still putting on a confident front and seems to be doing well in prison. I, Aggie, was surprisingly happy to see him, which is strange considering everything that happened.

Rhys: You get me!

Danes’ character knows he’s dangerous, but she’s strangely drawn to him and sees an opportunity to use him to her advantage, particularly for her book. This creates a complex and somewhat unsettling dynamic. I liked that the story doesn’t tie everything up neatly; it feels realistic. Even after she tries to make amends, she hasn’t completely changed her ways and continues to relentlessly pursue information for her writing.

Matthew, how did you feel about Nile meeting his fate in prison?

Rhys accepted that filming a difficult scene was necessary, even if it meant enduring discomfort. He jokingly considered the possibility of starting the second season with his character dramatically injured – lying on a stretcher in an ambulance, fully committed to the performance, like Hannibal Lecter.

Danes: Yes!

Rhys explains that ‘The Beast in Me 2’ feels like a repeat of Nile trying to prove that everyone has a dark side, not just him. It’s Nile suggesting, ‘You’re capable of it too!’

It can be tough to figure out if a TV show will be renewed. But are you curious to know if it might happen?

I really need Gabe, Daniel, and Howard because I’m much better at actually doing things than coming up with ideas. They’re the ones who can imagine and create, and they handle all the initial brainstorming.

According to Gordon, they might explore the backstory of Aggie’s father if there’s a second season.

Matthew, I understand you’re getting ready to perform your one-man play about Richard Burton. What’s the preparation process been like?

It’s funny to think about where celebrity obsession really started. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were the first couple to experience the intense media scrutiny we see today. The attention they received was incredible – it was even debated in the U.S. Senate whether Elizabeth Taylor should be allowed to re-enter the country.

Danes: That is when we had a monoculture. The list was short.

Rhys said the Vatican publicly disapproved of their relationship, and the intense attention they received was overwhelming. He explained that even dealing with paparazzi felt minor compared to what they experienced. Burton was someone Rhys greatly admired, and he felt both honored and intimidated to have the chance to portray him. It was a dream role, and a bit scary to take on.

Many artists grapple with similar feelings. They often question the unpredictable nature of their profession and struggle with self-doubt, feeling like a fraud despite their hard work. This creates an internal conflict: they dedicate themselves to their craft, but wonder what intangible element – that special ‘something’ – truly makes it work. He particularly disliked being told he was simply ‘gifted,’ because he believed his success came from dedicated effort, not just innate talent. He found the idea that someone is chosen for success without clear reason deeply unsatisfying.

Hi Claire, I understand projects in Hollywood often take a long time to develop. I was just wondering about the Hillary Clinton series, “Rodham,” that you were going to star in. Do you have any idea if it will ever be made?

I’d hoped the show would be picked up, but it doesn’t look likely. It’s disappointing, especially since my friend Sarah Treem wrote it so well. I’m now starting a new show called “The Spot,” which is—

Before the news was officially out, a publicist stepped in. Hulu has now announced that the drama series, also featuring Ewan McGregor, will go straight to series.

No, I’m not doing anything. I’m gonna be knitting.

Before I let you go, do you think that jogging path Nile was pushing for ever materialized?

Rhys: Yes!

Danes: He won that one.

Rhys mentioned the next book they’re planning to publish is called “My Path to Emancipation” by Aggie Riggs. He joked about how, in the future, someone might discover it and be amazed by what was hidden beneath its story.

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2025-11-13 14:33