Psychological Thriller ‘The Beast in Me’ Impresses with Strong Performances

LOS ANGELES, CA – Netflix’s new psychological thriller, “The Beast in Me,” has garnered attention for its gripping narrative and outstanding performances. Created and written by Gabe Rotter, the eight-part series stars Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys in leading roles.

Danes plays Aggie Wiggs, a writer struggling to find her voice after a personal tragedy. She gained fame for a book about her troubled relationship with her father, but now grapples with grief over the death of her eight-year-old son, killed by a drunk driver four years ago. As Aggie’s life spirals, she attempts to write a new book focused on the unlikely friendship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia.

Her life takes a dark turn when Nile Jarvis (Rhys), a multimillionaire and prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, moves into her affluent neighborhood. Aggie’s intense feelings of anger and grief collide with Nile’s nonchalant attitude when he asks the community for permission to cut a jogging trail through local woods, a request that she staunchly opposes. Nile’s unsettling charm and confrontational nature provoke Aggie into action.

As Aggie and Nile’s paths cross, they form a complex and antagonistic bond. Nile exposes her writer’s block, suggesting she only writes about gossip and carnage instead of hope and redemption. Despite her resistance, Aggie agrees to help him tell his story.

Things escalate when Aggie receives a warning from Brian Abbott (David Lyons), a troubled FBI agent involved in her son’s case, advising her to steer clear of Nile. Tensions rise further when Teddy, the drunk driver linked to her son’s death, mysteriously disappears, prompting Aggie to question the stability of her surroundings.

The show not only dives into Aggie’s personal battles but also explores political tensions, including protests against Nile’s family company led by councilwoman Olivia Benitez (Aleyse Shannon). With a narrative steeped in mystery and psychological tension, “The Beast in Me” explores themes of grief, acceptance, and morality.

Critics have already begun to acclaim the series, with some calling it an instant classic. As one reviewer noted, the performances of Danes and Rhys, woven with a compelling script, create a captivating series that is hard to look away from. The show is currently available to stream on Netflix, with all eight episodes accessible now.