The Couple Next Doorattempts to lure us in with a thrilling tale of secrecy and distrust, only to overload on hollow tensions. While the drama is great, there is far too much going on in the six-episode series for anything to stand out, but the acting is decent and the chemistry among the cast is fluid. However, the result is a muddled thriller series that races to a convoluted end.
The Couple Next Door
Cast
Based on the Dutch television seriesNew Neighbors, The Couple Next Door is a dramatic thriller series created for Starz. When Evie and her boyfriend, Pete, move in to a new neighborhood and meet their new neighbors, Danny and Becka, an affair begins between Evie and Danny. However, secrets lie buried deep, and Evie’s new affair may unearth one too many.
When Evie (Eleanor Tomlinson) and Pete (Alfred Enoch) move into a new neighborhood, they form an instant connection with some friendly neighbors. However, it isn’t long before the friendship takes an unexpected turn and things get out of hand. Meanwhile, there is also a cult religion subplot, a mob storyline, multiple romances, a creepy neighbor, and so much more to keep the action going from one twisted moment to the next.
The Couple Next Door Is Overstuffed & Underwhelming
From the beginning, it’s clear that things are off in the street when Pete and Evie move in. The couple is excitedly preparing to welcome a new baby and getting settled into their suburban home is high on their list of priorities. However, despite the short episode count, every one of the six episodes tries to chase a handful of storylines. While the core relationship between Pete, Evie, and their neighbors, Becka (Jessica De Gouw) and Danny (Outlander’s Sam Heughan), is compelling in its own right, the series tries to tackle too much at once.
The Couple Next Dooris not an easy or particularly relaxing watch.
In no time at all,the Starz seriesintroduces several subplots, with many weaving together. For the most part, though, it feels like a zealous game of tennis as the story races from one plot to the next. This is a real shame because the chemistry between the four core actors is palpable and helps to create an environment where they can pursue any story. Unfortunately, this is undermined by the inclusion of multiple underlying narratives that distract.
While the diverging storylines highlight a lack of focus in the series, there is a resolution that attempts to tie everything together. And while it doesn’t fix everything that came before, it provides a somewhat satisfying ending at least. All that said,The Couple Next Dooris not an easy or particularly relaxing watch, with constant drama and secrecy that extends beyond the two couples that grows exhausting.
The Acting Is Consistently Good In The Couple Next Door
Despite the packed plot, there are solid performances from the actors, particularly from Eleanor Tomlinson, who plays Evie. AsThe Couple Next Doorprogresses, it’s clear to see the way events shape her character, taking her and the rest of the cast on a journey that only gets more muddled with time. The other actors occasionally have standout moments, but for the most part, Tomlinson’s performance is just so consistent and solid, helping to shape and complement the story.
As the series progresses, it’s clear to see the way events shape her character, and take her and the rest of the cast on a journey that will only get more muddled over time.
The show does utilize the actors well overall, expanding on each storyline without being ignored or sidelined. But the bigger issue is really the attempt to loop in numerous other dramatic narratives besides the main one. Had the series focused on two or three plot points, it would have been much more effective. It would also have kept us on our toes without being suffocated by the series' other elements. Regardless, there are those rare bright spots that can be glimpsed throughout the series.
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The Couple Next Doormanages to bring most of the odd storylines together, while also keeping a firm focus on Evie and Pete’s relationship. It tackles difficult topics while exploring one relationship that appears unshakable and another that is on the verge of breaking down. But despite pushing so quickly towards the ending, there is plenty of filler in the form of useless excess and overtime. Had the story been pared back and refined, it could have been a great thriller.
The Couple Next Doorairs weekly each Friday on Starz on 9pm ET.
