Netflix, right here within the remaining leg of the 12 months, premiered a brand new collection that instantly restructured my best-of checklist for 2025. It just about kicked all of the titles apart, claiming its spot on the proverbial mountaintop. 

I am speaking about The Beast in Me, the taut new psychological thriller that hit Netflix final week. I had seen the title artwork rolling throughout my TV display screen, however it wasn’t till I heard collection star Claire Danes communicate concerning the present on a current episode of the SmartLess podcast that I made a decision to provide this title a attempt. 

Evidently, I completed it in three days. Since then, I’ve not been in a position to shake it from my being. This is not a criticism.

The Beast in Me stars Danes as Aggie Wiggs, an writer struggling to reclaim literary glory after struggling a family-shattering accident. Her focus on the present’s starting is on a e-book concerning the relationship between Supreme Courtroom justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Nonetheless, she’s affected by an enormous case of author’s block, fueled by a deeply unsettling grief that finally drives most of Wiggs’ conduct and actions all through the collection.

All the pieces adjustments when Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a polarizing determine in the actual property growth world, strikes in subsequent door. He is boastful and rich and somebody who thrives on stirring the pot, which is a behavioral trait that throws Aggie off her axis. What’s extra is that Nile right here is the prime suspect within the demise of his first spouse, Madison, who went lacking six years prior. To get away from the stress of the massive metropolis — and the media highlight relating to his potential guilt within the matter — Nile strikes in proper down the road from Aggie. 

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Quickly, the thought enters her head: Ought to she write a e-book about this man? Furthermore, can she get perception about his spouse’s disappearance and, doubtlessly, a confession that he did, in reality, homicide her? 

I am certain you may see the place that is going. She ditches the RBG e-book and focuses her consideration on Nile Jarvis, which leads the duo to type a dysfunctional friendship whereas she works with the FBI behind his again to show his guilt. To say extra would require me to delve into the story spoilers that make this present such a web page turner. So as a substitute, let’s concentrate on what makes The Beast in Me such a top-tier thriller — and, for my part, one in every of Netflix’s finest exhibits of the 12 months.

None of this could work with out the stellar team-up of Danes and Rhys. The Beast in Me is an instance of two actors delivering performances which can be utterly centered on what’s finest for the story. Their dynamic is unrelentingly partaking, with Danes leaning into the deeply emotional components that made her stand out as Carrie Mathison in Homeland and Rhys doubling down on the sociopathic nature of Nile, effortlessly biking backwards and forwards between Nile’s flashy, charismatic aspect and the aggressive, malicious monster lurking beneath the floor. 

What makes his efficiency much more noteworthy is Rhys’ skill to make you empathize with him, because the present alludes to abuse and trauma from his childhood. I have to admit, it actually takes some performing chops and top-notch writing to convey this emotional part in a personality with out it coming off as eyeroll worthy or ham-fisted. It is a Howard Gordon joint, so I am not shocked all of it works so effectively.

Gordon, who was the chief producer on Homeland, is the showrunner right here. His inventive reunion with Danes is nothing lower than thrilling. 

In reality, there have been a number of cases whereas watching the collection the place I seen similarities between Aggie and Nile’s relationship and that of Carrie and Brody in Homeland. Earlier than you ask, the dynamic between Aggie and Nile by no means will get romantic. Nonetheless, there may be an unhealthy obsession and bloodlust that binds the 2.  

Whereas The Beast in Me is a showcase of Danes and Rhys, the supporting forged is nothing to scoff at. 

Brittany Snow, who performs Nile’s second spouse, Nina, may’ve been given extra to chew on all through the collection, however when she’s on display screen, she completely delivers. Jonathan Banks effortlessly steps into the Logan Roy-style position of Martin Jarvis, Nile’s gruff, abusive father. David Lyons — whom I instantly acknowledged from the short-lived CW superhero collection The Cape, with sudden delight — is great as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is improbable as Aggie’s ex-wife. Shelley and Tim Guinee are a quiet supply of terror as Martin’s youthful brother, Rick, nicknamed “Wrecking Ball.” Mainly, everybody who seems on display screen serves the story one of the best ways potential.

The Beast in Me appears like one thing Alfred Hitchcock might do if he had been alive as we speak. All the pieces from the digicam work and episodic route to the set design and musical rating works collectively harmoniously. It is a uncommon event when a restricted collection like this one feels prefer it will get all the things proper. I have been making an attempt to think about flaws, however I am developing quick.

The collection can be a breath of contemporary air in that it totally earns the “restricted collection” categorization, as when all is claimed and performed, the present closes its story loop. There’s completely room for extra seasons, however the story of Aggie Wiggs and Nile Jarvis is a self-contained one which meets a satisfying finish. 

Nonetheless, the largest draw of The Beast in Me is the two-handed nature of the narrative, with Danes and Rhys commanding the whole eight episodes. Theirs is a can’t-look-away sparring match that’s now dwelling in my head rent-free. Clear some area in yours, as a result of in the event you’re into well-made tv dramas, this present is required viewing.