Movies

The Split star’s returning psychological drama with “sinister turns” actually fails to deliver

BBG News

It’s not mandatory for every television series to have a sequel, and that certainly applies to Channel 4’s “The Couple Next Door”.

Although boasting a strong cast led by Annabel Scholey from “The Split”, an enticing storyline, and an unexpected twist, this psychological drama unfortunately prioritizes its steamy aspects excessively, leaving the main plot underdeveloped.

In its second season, similar to the first, “The Couple Next Door” revolves around illicit desires and extra-marital entanglements. However, this time, these complex emotions are ignited by the introduction of a new colleague and neighbor, Mia (played by Aggy K Adams).

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At the same hospital where Lottie Roberts, a renowned heart surgeon, and her consulting anesthesiologist husband, Jacob, work, enters Mia, a nurse with a touch of enigma.

At first glance, Lottie and Jacob appear to make a strong couple. However, things take an unexpected turn when Mia, their new next-door neighbor, enters their lives. She skillfully forms friendships and becomes romantically involved with both of them, leading to a complex three-person relationship. Yet, Mia’s tumultuous history may ultimately create difficulties for the married couple.

If it seems intriguing, be mindful to keep your excitement in check. Although the concept of the show might appear compelling, its execution tends to fall short.

A deliberate slow tempo is meant to enhance the emotional intensity, building suspense, but unfortunately, it feels more like a drag, as the series introduces an excess of irrelevant subplots that add up to insignificant outcomes in the final analysis.

Instead of fitting harmoniously into the narrative flow, numerous subplots seem forced or awkwardly inserted, with returning character Alan (Hugh Dennis from Outnumbered) serving as a notable instance of this issue.

In all honesty, Dennis’ exceptional portrayal was undeniably captivating. Yet, I can’t help but feel that his character’s redemptive journey and deepening bond with Mia might have been omitted without much impact on the overall narrative. Similarly, introducing Leo, Sendhil Ramamurthy’s character from “Never Have I Ever,” into the storyline seemed unnecessary for reinforcing the instability in Lottie’s marriage.

Although it may be debated that The Couple Next Door gets numerous aspects incorrect, the acting chemistry between the characters is certainly not among those flaws.

In the game of our on-screen marriage, Scholey and Palladio subtly weave clues into their performances, hinting at the undercurrents beneath their seemingly flawless facade. I can sense the tension between Jacob and Lottie, yet there’s a smoldering love that lingers, a love that flares up even more with the arrival of Mia.

In unison, the trio embodies the same level of sensuality and intrigue that the makers likely intended at the outset. It’s captivating to ponder Mia’s reasons for being part of their dynamic. However, as the narrative unfolds, her purposes within their relationship seem flimsy, unjustified, and don’t quite align with the secrets she harbors. This contributes to the show’s apparent issue of character interdependence.

Simultaneously, Mia’s character lacks substantial development beyond her part as the temptress in “The Couple Next Door.” The story anticipates that her hidden past will add complexity to her character, but it seems that this secret is the only aspect of her personality that is explored deeply.

The play improves when focusing on Jacob and Lottie, delving into complex power dynamics within their relationship. This allows Palladio’s character, Jacob, to grow more substantially as the story unfolds. Furthermore, Scholey’s acting remains consistently captivating, living up to our high expectations.

Due to its compelling nature, “The Couple Next Door” manages to reel in viewers who might be on the verge of getting bored, effectively delivering the twist. This twist contributes significantly to the series, reinforcing its reputation for unexpected plot twists, a promise made since season one.

Instead, a greater impact could have been achieved if the creators had prioritized developing the psychological drama over relying too heavily on the assumption that sensuality would attract audiences.

The Couple Next Door is available to watch on Channel 4.

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2025-07-15 16:19

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