In the Netflix murder mystery The Perfect Couple, the big twist reveals that the true culprit behind the tragedy is Abby, played by Dakota Fanning. The series, set during a luxurious July 4th wedding in Nantucket, begins with the shocking death of Merritt, the maid of honor. But what could lead to such a devastating event? The answer lies deep in the secrets and greed of the affluent Winbury family.
The Perfect Couple ending explained: Who is the killer? https://t.co/fyoFdoivuG pic.twitter.com/Inn12ahLR4
— Woman Magazine (@WomanMagazine) September 9, 2024
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Merritt had been secretly involved with the family’s patriarch, Tag Winbury, and was pregnant with his child. His wife, Greer, was already suspicious, and the consequences of this affair stretched beyond mere infidelity. The arrival of Merritt’s baby would delay the distribution of family trust funds, especially affecting Tag’s eldest son, Thomas, who was already deep in debt. The stakes were high, and it became clear that someone was desperate to stop this baby from being born.
In the dramatic finale, Abby, Thomas’ wife, is exposed as the murderer. She drugged Merritt and later drowned her during a late-night swim. While Merritt’s death may have seemed accidental, detectives uncover the truth, bringing Abby’s dark actions to light.
This ending is a significant departure from the book by Elin Hilderbrand, where Abby’s intentions were not as malicious. In the novel, she unintentionally causes Merritt’s death by spiking a drink intended for someone else. But in the series, Abby’s role as a calculated villain is fully realized, marking a bold shift in the narrative.
Dakota Fanning, who portrays Abby, shared her excitement about playing a villainous role, a departure from her usual characters. Fanning embraced the complexity of Abby, a character who clung to her wealth and status even while being led away by the police, screaming about her pregnancy in a last-ditch effort to avoid punishment.
💒 THE PERFECT COUPLE, based on #ElinHilderbrand‘s bestseller, is now streaming on Netflix!
🍿 Directed by #SusanneBier, with co-editing by #MortenHøjbjerg, the series stars #NicoleKidman, #LievSchreiber, and #DakotaFanning.#theperfectcouple #netflix #echo #echoartists pic.twitter.com/BSU9m6OPPf
— echo artists (@echoartists) September 9, 2024
Fanning also commented on the series’ unique tone, a mix of suspense and humor, which added layers to the overall experience. She enjoyed playing one of the “wacky” characters in the show, embracing the campy elements of the story. Her character’s privilege and entitlement were worn like badges of honor, contributing to the heightened, surreal world of The Perfect Couple.
In addition to the murder mystery, Fanning spoke about her involvement in the show’s whimsical opening dance number, which initially faced resistance from the cast. Despite the initial skepticism, Fanning eventually embraced the fun, over-the-top moment, recognizing how it set the tone for the show’s unpredictable nature.
Key Points:
i. Abby, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, is revealed as the killer in The Perfect Couple, responsible for the death of the maid of honor, Merritt.
ii. Merritt’s affair with family patriarch Tag Winbury, which resulted in a pregnancy, threatened the family’s wealth, leading to Abby’s drastic actions.
iii. Abby drugged and drowned Merritt to prevent the birth, knowing it would delay family trust funds and cause problems for her husband, Thomas.
iv. The show’s ending differs from the original book, where Abby unintentionally causes Merritt’s death rather than deliberately killing her.
v. Fanning embraced her villainous role, enjoying the campy and heightened tone of the series, and even participated in a memorable opening dance number despite initial reservations.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
