Playing it cool

As a dedicated admirer of Nicole Kidman, I find myself constantly amazed by her remarkable career trajectory and the captivating roles she continues to bring to life on screen. Her latest project, “The Perfect Couple,” is yet another testament to her undeniable talent for choosing intriguing, complex characters that keep us hooked from start to finish.

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It appears that we are discussing Dennis Waterman on the phone for communication purposes: “Brown leather jacket, you say? Get to drink a pint in a pub? I’m in!” It seems that we are having similar conversations with her “people” nowadays. “Ralph Lauren wardrobe? Perfect kitchen? Mystery surrounding my privileged but troubled lead character? OK, where do I sign?”

To the newest Netflix series, “The Perfect Couple”. If you guessed correctly, you wouldn’t stray far from the truth: it’s an adaptation of a New York Times bestseller about an expensive wedding on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. This short summary captures all we need to know: it’s for attractive, spoiled people used to causing trouble, then buying their way out of it. A champagne reception on the beach under the indifferent house staff, the civilities abruptly ruined by the discovery of a guest-turned-beautiful corpse… And we’re set, to solve murder, betrayal, what to do with 300 unwanted shrimp starters and other First World problems.

Here’s a brief overview of some notable female protagonists in various fields:

Last month, the Australian actress openly discussed her feelings towards a long-format production that she found captivating due to its “cinematic feel” and “slow burn”. Earlier, she had expressed admiration for the powerful bond between the TV series and its audience, as it’s in their homes.

I have no doubt that she’s being sincere, but she could have added that it’s now the only bus to jump on for a decent actor of a certain age still wanting to explore plot and character. The sort of films “proper actors” used to appear in – Richard Gere in Internal Affairs, Harrison Ford in What Lies Beneath, Kidman herself in Malice etc – don’t get made any more.

Playing it cool

Instead, they savor the multi-episode experience on a streaming service. Add an intelligent, elegantly dressed woman, and no one else appears in the frame if Kidman wishes it so. As the global emissary for trouble in fictional paradise, she even filmed an ad for the AMC cinema chain during the peak of the pandemic, showcasing a line that encapsulates her latest work: “Heartbreak feels good in this place.”

It’s undeniable that Big Little Lies, The Undoing, Nine Perfect Strangers, and The Perfect Couple are all testaments to Meryl Streep’s knack for finding successful projects. Her large fan base (which also earned her Emmy Awards) and the combination of a big budget and star power can elevate what could have been ordinary into something extraordinary.

I’m reluctant to add my voice to the harsh criticism often directed solely at female actors regarding their appearances – ridiculed for landing roles or criticized for remaining unaltered – but it can’t be denied that Kidman possesses a unique allure that she skillfully translates onto the screen, while also operating her own production company and advocating for other women in an industry that remains troublingly biased towards them.

The struggle that accompanies being a provider of such profitable entertainment is figuring out how to avoid the traps. After decades of bold creativity on the silver screen, she appears satisfied to portray TV’s enigmatic ice queen these days. In other words, while we might be captivated by Nicole and all that she offers, we don’t fully understand the dangers inherent in the role. However, for both Kidman and her various personas, that’s just another First World issue.

2024-09-03 19:38

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