Getting audiences primed for the sure-shot blockbuster that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is bound to be, Netflix unveiled its new series, The Beast in Me, to a terrific response last week. The mystery series, featuring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, emerged as an instant hit, beating out a host of holdover titles on the streamer’s viewership charts. The eight-episode limited series opened to positive reviews, and counts the diverse likes of Jodie Foster and Conan O’Brien as producers. The show’s first episode was directed by the art-house filmmaker Antonio Campos, completing a rather unusual bouquet of behind-the-scenes talent.
According to FlixPatrol, The Beast in Me has been the number one show on the domestic Netflix charts ever since its debut on November13. On November 15, it rose to number three on the streamer’s global charts, where it trailed Last Samurai Standing and Dynamite Kiss. The show follows a grieving writer who begins to wonder if her mysterious new neighbor is, in fact, the murderer he’s said to be. Danes, best known in recent years for her acclaimed performance in Homeland, plays the protagonist, while Rhys, who rose to fame with his performance in The Americans, stars as the neighbor.
The Beast in Me also features Brittany Snow and Jonathan Banks in supporting roles. Incidentally, Campos also created the HBO Max true crime drama The Staircase, which was based on the real story of a man suspected of killing his wife, just like Rhys’ character in The Beast in Me. The show opened to positive reviews, mainly directed at the performances of its two stars. It’s currently sitting at a “certified fresh” 83% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “A cut above the usual murder mystery, The Beast in Me stages a psychological duel that crackles with tension thanks to Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys’ superb performances.”
Mystery Fans Have ‘Knives Out 3’ to Look Forward to
In her review, Collider’s Therese Lacson concurred, writing, “From beginning to end, it’s impossible to take your eyes off the screen with The Beast in Me. Whether it’s the talented cast, the twisty story, or the eeriness that is both compelling and repulsive, it’s an addictive watch and worthy of a binge for all lovers of mysteries and crime dramas.” The show is available to stream on Netflix, where fans of mysteries also have Knives Out 3 to look forward to in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
