“The Perfect Couple” is the latest trending whodunnit series on Netflix! The streamer, well aware of their audience’s love for this genre, has crafted a gripping six-episode show that’s perfect for a binge-watch. Fans are already eager for a second season, but we’ll have to wait for the streamer’s official word.
Set at a luxurious Nantucket wedding, the title promises high society glamour that quickly turns into a nightmare when a body is discovered just hours before the ceremony. Suddenly, all the guests become suspects.
Adapted from the 2018 novel of the same name by Elin Hilderbrand, viewers who haven’t read the book are curious about how the TV adaptation compares to the original story.
How Netflix’s ‘The Perfect Couple’ adaptation deviates from the novel
While critics have offered mixed reviews of “The Perfect Couple,” fans of the original book have largely praised the adaptation, noting that Netflix’s version improved on several aspects and added necessary drama.
On social media, users like @cececarya have detailed the principal differences between the book and its TV version. For instance, some character names were changed: Celeste Otis became Amelia Sacks, and Featherleigh Dale was renamed Isabel Nallet.
Here come the spoilers! In the book, the Winburys have only two sons, Thomas and Benjamin, whereas the Netflix series introduces a third son, Will Winbury, to enhance the finale. This alteration has sparked debate among readers, with some feeling the change was unnecessary while others accepted it.
Nicole Kidman‘s character, Greer Garrison Winbury, differs significantly from her book counterpart. In the novel, Greer’s brother doesn’t exist, her family is wealthier than Tag Winbury’s, and she amasses even more wealth through writing. Additionally, she is not an escort.
Another notable difference is that Thomas Winbury ends his affair with Isabel Nallet upon learning of Abby Winbury’s pregnancy. Plus, in the original source material, Abby only wants Thomas to stop seeing Isabel, and has nothing against Merrit.
In the book, Shooter is portrayed as poor, and the Winburys treat him as family because, after his wealthy father’s death, his step-brothers excluded him from the inheritance.
A key change involves the timeline: in the book, Amelia breaks up with Benji Winbury on the same day they discover Merritt’s body, and spends most of the day in shock at the hospital. It all happens in 24 hours!
Additionally, Amelia finds Merritt’s body early in the morning while attempting to run away with Shooter. He tries to flee from the police, knowing he needs an alibi but can not reveal his plan to escape with the bride. He eventually confesses, but Benji never learns the truth.
The most significant difference is the ending. In the Netflix adaptation, Abby intentionally kills Merritt by drugging and drowning her. In contrast, the book depicts Merritt’s death as an accidental drowning caused by barbiturates consumed inadvertently from a drink not meant for her.
