The Beast in Me Review: Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys Deliver a Riveting Masterclass in Psychological Drama

It's difficult to think that The Beast in Me, the first major television project of its kind from creator, writer, and executive producer Gabe Rotter, has been a great success. This eight-episode psychological thriller is over-the-top with its use of confidence, emotional precisions, and storytelling that cuts like a razor. The series, which is supported by captivating acting by Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, is already regarded as one of the best television shows ever made.

A Gripping Story of Grief, Guilt, and Obsession

Danes plays Aggie Wiggs, an acclaimed writer struggling with grief after the tragic death of her eight-year-old son in a drunk-driving accident. The driver, Teddy, managed to escape legal punishment, and Aggie’s life has since been consumed by anger and solitude. Living alone in a large, empty home meant for a family, she channels her unresolved pain into her stalled book about the unlikely friendship between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia.

Her quiet torment is disrupted when Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), the wealthy heir of a real estate empire and the prime suspect in his wife’s mysterious disappearance six years earlier, moves into her neighborhood. When Nile requests to cut a jogging path through shared woodland, everyone agrees — except Aggie. Their tense first encounter sets off a dangerously magnetic connection between two broken souls.

Tension Builds With Every Scene

As the story unfolds, Aggie’s world spirals further when Teddy suddenly vanishes after she inadvertently mentions him to Nile. His clothes and a suicide note are discovered on the beach — but the circumstances don’t add up. With the police dismissing her concerns, Aggie embarks on her own investigation, agreeing to collaborate with Nile on a book about his life to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, the show expands its scope with complex subplots — corporate corruption, political ambition, and buried family secrets — while never losing sight of the central psychological duel between its two leads.

Career-Defining Performances

Denmark's remarkable character as a grieving woman, nevertheless, endowed with an unquenchable thirst for justice and comprehension, is portrayed in the most vivid way possible by her. On the other hand, Rhys, an equally talented actor, presents Nile with an enigmatic quality that can be interpreted in two ways — is he an alienated genius or just a plain psychopath? The interactions of the two full stars are filled with the sensations of tension, intimacy, and danger.

Moreover, the roles performed by Natalie Morales, Brittany Snow, Jonathan Banks, and Aleyse Shannon enhance the already precise emotional domain of the show.

Verdict

The Beast in Me is a dark, mesmerizing exploration of trauma, truth, and connection. With an airtight script, haunting atmosphere, and two phenomenal performances at its core, this Netflix thriller demands — and rewards — your full attention. Awards season buzz feels inevitable.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

📺 Streaming on: Netflix

🎭 Genre: Psychological Thriller, Drama