Image: Lionsgate Tv
Smouldering and alluring, The Searching Wives is undeniably Netflix’s sexiest present of the yr. The provocative present explores loyalty, secrets and techniques, manipulative friendships, and homicide. Right here’s our spoiler-free evaluate!
Based mostly on the best-selling novel by Could Cobb, The Searching Wives makes for a darkly addictive, massively provocative collection, full of thriller and intrigue. This fashionable, twist-filled drama is ideal for followers of Netflix collection like Useless to Me, Behind Her Eyes, and What/If.
This collection has discovered a house at Netflix following the separation of Lionsgate and Starz. It’s certainly one of quite a lot of Lionsgate Tv tasks that Netflix has licensed in the USA. Different such exhibits embody Hightown and Son of a Critch
The Searching Wives is tailored for tv by Rebecca Cutter, greatest recognized for engaged on collection like Hightown, Gotham, and The Mentalist. It follows Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow), who strikes from Cambridge, Massachusetts to Maple Brooks, Texas, along with her household — comprised of husband Graham (Evan Jonigkeit) and their son. At their new residence, they goal for a contemporary begin to their lives; leaving Sophie’s mysterious, traumatic previous behind.
Nonetheless, when the household arrives in deep pink Texas, it’s the last word tradition shock, particularly for shy mom Sophie, who meets Margo (Malin Akerman) — an enthralling, hedonistic and outgoing socialite — who progressively makes Sophie come out of her shell. She turns into intertwined with the reckless world of the Searching Wives; a gaggle of rich, privileged, gun-toting girls. As Sophie mixes with the Searching Wives, she succumbs to the irresistible allure and seductive nature of Margo and her clique. Earlier than lengthy, her former vices resurface… and issues, slowly however absolutely, get lethal.
This collection thrives within the dynamics it creates, with the central relationship being the unlikely duo of outgoing socialite Margo and shy mom Sophie. Sophie first bumps into Margo at a celebration. Margo has an nearly bewitching, spellbinding attract to her, which hooks Sophie in instantly. As the 2 meet extra usually, Margo slowly, methodically begins to loosen Sophie’s vices. After being concerned in a mysterious automotive accident, Sophie’s husband Graham had made her hand over consuming and driving. However Margo, being immensely manipulative, hooks Sophie onto her aspect, reawakening her long-buried needs.
Ackerman breaks out because the star of the collection. Wild and carefree, there’s an unpredictability to her actions. She’s fully alluring; you’ll be able to’t take your eyes off her. Whether or not it’s days out searching and taking pictures, or staying in enjoying video games like spin-the-bottle — she at all times finds a approach to convey the spice.
The unlikely duo of Margo and Sophie stays the standout component of the collection, delivering addictive and endlessly entertaining moments. When the main focus shifts away from them, nonetheless, we comply with a secondary storyline of youngster love between Abby (Madison Wolfe) and Brad (George Ferrier). This subplot leans closely into teen drama and feels haplessly predictable, missing the spark and intrigue of the principle narrative.
From the get-go, although, this collection is a captivating deep dive into tradition variations, marriage, social dynamics, and even politics. Every character is inherently flawed, however you root for therefore lots of them, notably Sophie, who she will get drawn right into a manipulative crowd, however her coronary heart stays in the best place. Sophie has a traumatic and mysterious previous of her personal, however the present retains its secrets and techniques shut, progressively dropping hints because it progresses. In that respect, you possibly can name the overarching plot a comparatively slow-burn.
Verdict
The Searching Wives deserves plenty of reward for being so completely uncompromising in its purpose. It units out to be a raunchy, juicy, and binge-worthy drama, and it achieves this with ease. There’s no holding again. It can be humorous (you’ll principally chuckle at its uncompromising outrageousness), whereas it offers with subjects equivalent to alcoholism, manipulation, and self-discovery. It strikes a wonderful stability between drama, thriller, and comedy — however the whole lot is all wrapped up in its overriding blanket of seductiveness, which is admittedly greater than a bit of gratuitous at instances.
As well as, there’s a few characters, most of all Margo, who really feel a bit of extra like tropes than precise grounded, human characters. Regardless of my criticisms, a few of which can be a bit of harsh, there’s nonetheless loads to love about this collection. The story is gripping and the myriad plot twists are assured to have you ever coming again for extra!
Watch The Searching Wives for those who love:
- What/If
- Behind Her Eyes
- Sirens
- Useless to Me
The Searching Wives is now streaming on Netflix within the U.S. It’s also possible to take a look at our interview with stars Brittany Snow and Malin Ackerman here.