Playing it cool

As a long-time admirer of Nicole Kidman’s captivating performances, I can confidently say that her latest project, “The Perfect Couple,” is a must-watch for any fan. Her transformation from a young, ambitious actress to a formidable powerhouse in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of mesmerizing.

Add The Perfect Couple to your watchlist.

In the past, I would envision Dennis Waterman discussing with his representative like this way: “A brown leather jacket and a chance to drink in a pub? Count me in!” Now, it’s intriguing to picture Nicole Kidman having similar exchanges. “A Ralph Lauren wardrobe, a beautiful kitchen, and a character that is privileged yet troubled with a touch of mystery? I’m ready to put my signature there.”

For her latest production, it’s the six-part Netflix series titled “The Perfect Couple“. If you were to make an educated guess about its essential components, you wouldn’t stray much from what’s being presented: this is essentially a drama based on a New York Times bestselling book that centers around a lavish wedding in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. This setting lends itself perfectly to portray attractive, spoiled individuals who are accustomed to creating chaos and then finding ways to escape the consequences. A beachside champagne reception overseen by seemingly indifferent staff, suddenly disrupted by the shocking discovery of a beautiful guest turned corpse… And we’re underway, following a storyline that involves solving murder, uncovering betrayals, and dealing with other First World problems, such as what to do with 300 leftover shrimp appetizers.

Time was when Meryl Streep was the go-to name for elegant, complex female protagonists. Indeed, back when Kidman made her own breakthrough in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm, she cited Streep as her inspiration. But the pupil has far outgunned the master. Kidman says she picks her roles without any strategy, relying on pure gut instinct. Do we believe her? If she had plotted the arc of her astonishing career she really couldn’t have planned it any better.

Last month, the Australian celebrity shared her feelings about growing fond of the extended format, appreciating its “movie-like quality” and “gradual intensity.” Earlier, she had expressed admiration for the powerful bond created between TV shows and viewers as it allows them to enter people’s homes.

Although I’m convinced of her honesty, she might have mentioned that it’s essentially the last chance for an experienced actor to delve into intriguing roles and stories. The kind of movies once graced by “serious actors” like Richard Gere in “Internal Affairs”, Harrison Ford in “What Lies Beneath”, or Nicole Kidman in “Malice” are seldom produced today.

Playing it cool

Instead, they receive a prolonged, “high-end TV” experience on a streaming platform. Add to that an intelligent, stylishly dressed, mysterious female protagonist, and if Nicole Kidman is interested, she will be the only one appearing in the scene. As the worldwide emissary of strife in a fictitious paradise, she even filmed an advertisement for the AMC cinema chain during the peak of the pandemic, with a line that encapsulates her recent work: “Pain feels satisfying here.”

Her success is clearly evident in the massive viewership of shows like “Big Little Lies,” which earned her Emmy Awards, as well as “The Undoing,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and likely “The Perfect Couple.” This demonstrates Kidman’s exceptional ability to choose compelling projects. With a substantial budget and star power, she elevates what could potentially be mediocre content in the hands of less skilled producers.

The female actors are being called in for a review, but their facial expressions are being imitated, not their personal belongings are being disturbed – however, it’s accurate to state that the actress brings with her a modest level of audience interest, and she skillfully manages both her own film company and assists other women in the field who are still struggling with gender inequality issues.

Translating the received challenge into a simpler and more natural form: The challenge that comes with serves as the provider of such lucrative entertainment. How can we evade the tropes? After years of creative boldness on the large screen, she appears content to play TV’s enigmatic ice queen these days. It implies that while we might tune in for Nicole and everything she delivers, we will never truly escape from the peril of the piece. However, for both Kidman and her many alter egos, that’s another First World puzzle.

2024-09-03 19:06

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