Updated on: October 9, 2024 1:09 pm GMT

The Perfect Couple Ending Explained: How the Netflix Series Changed the Book’s Killer Finale

In Netflix’s “The Perfect Couple,” a body washes up on the shores of Nantucket, sending shockwaves through two families gathered for a wedding. This soapy drama brings suspense, secrets, and a shocking twist that departs significantly from Elin Hilderbrand’s original novel. Here’s an exploration of the key differences between the series finale and the novel’s conclusion.

Synopsis of the Series

The series, consisting of six episodes, follows Amelia Sacks (Eve Hewson) on her wedding day when she discovers the body of her maid of honor, Merritt Monaco (Meghann Fahy). The police investigation reveals dark secrets held by each member of the wedding party, including Benji’s (Billy Howle) powerful family. Nicole Kidman portrays Greer Winbury, Benji’s mother, a successful novelist whose facade of a perfect life begins to crack under scrutiny.

Key Differences in the Ending

The most significant change occurs in the identity of Merritt’s killer. In the series finale, Abigail (Dakota Fanning), Thomas’ pregnant wife, murders Merritt to secure financial stability for her family by ensuring access to a trust fund. After administering a sedative, she drowns Merritt in the ocean. This direct act of malice starkly contrasts with the book’s conclusion, where Merritt’s drowning is ruled an accident, lacking a specific perpetrator.

Character Changes

The adaptation also alters characters and their motives. For instance, Amelia’s name in the book was Celeste, changed in the series to avoid confusion with another character from HBO’s “Big Little Lies.” Additionally, the introduction of Isabel Nallet (Isabelle Adjani) in the series adds a layer of intrigue, as she is not present in the novel. In the book, similar traits are attributed to Featherleigh Dale, who plays a lesser role in the overall narrative.

Deeper Character Backstories

Greer’s character also experiences a substantial transformation. The series depicts her as a successful writer with a hidden past, revealing that she met her husband Tag (Liev Schreiber) while she was an escort. This backstory adds depth that is absent from the book, where Greer’s character lacks a detailed history outside her published work. Furthermore, Greer’s relationship with her children is tested in ways not addressed in the original story.

Conclusion and Future Implications

As the series wraps up with a flash-forward to Amelia working in a London zoo, new dynamics unfold. Greer hands Amelia a manuscript titled “Your Move,” suggesting a new narrative that springs from the traumatic events of their past. This conclusion offers a sense of closure that diverges from the book’s more ambiguous ending.

If you want to learn more about the series and how it has changed over time, you can find helpful information about the characters and themes in different places.