In the volatile world of streaming, it’s not always easy to predict the next big Netflix hit. For example, I certainly didn’t expect “KPop Demon Hunters” to become the platform’s biggest movie of all time. However, when it comes to the new mystery thriller “The Beast in Me,” I feel as confident as can be that this new eight-part show is going to rocket straight to the No. 1 spot.
The show reunites star Claire Danes with “Homeland” co-creator Howard Gordon, who acts as showrunner for this new Netflix original, which is an appealing pitch on its own. Throw in a twisted performance from Matthew Rhys as a real estate mogul who leaps between charismatic and creepy, and “The Beast in Me” certainly has the ingredients to draw plenty of attention. Plus, it’s a thriller series, and those are always popular with Netflix viewers.
Between its many narrative twists and with most episodes bookmarked by a major dramatic beat, it’s the type of show that convinces you to click the “play next” button every time. Even if it walks a predictable path, incorporates a few too many characters, and Danes isn’t quite given the material to shine like she did back in “Homeland,” it’s still very watchable.
What is ‘The Beast in Me’ about?
Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes) is a reclusive author, struggling with writer’s block, and still reeling from the death of her young son. Since the tragedy, she’s locked herself away in her home, unable to make progress on her new book, and her relationship with her, now ex-wife, Shelley (Natalia Morales), crumbled as a result.
When controversial real estate tycoon Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys) moves in next door, Aggie is both repulsed and intrigued by him. Jarvis was previously the prime suspect in the unexplained disappearance of his wife, and has since remarried to Nina (Brittany Snow).
Striking up an agreement to write a book about Jarvis, Aggie is drawn into his world and becomes obsessed with finding the truth and determining if he truly is a killer or if he’s just been unfairly condemned by the court of public opinion. But as Aggie learns more and uncovers shocking clues, she puts her own life and those around her in lethal danger.
‘The Beast in Me’ is a blend of thriller favorites
The first few seasons of “Homeland” (before it went on far too long and turned into almost a parody of itself) were some of the best watercooler TV of the early 2010s, and “The Beast in Me” definitely positions itself in a similar territory. This is the type of show that ends near enough every episode with a cliffhanger, or a major character’s fate hanging in the balance.
While “Homeland” existed in the clandestine world of espionage and international terrorism, “The Beast in Me” lives closer to home. In fact, much of its domestic drama reminded me of David Fincher’s 2014 flick “Gone Girl.” There aren’t any characters quite as memorable as Rosmund Pike’s deliciously twisted Amy Dunne, but Nick Jarvis does come close in the scheming department. Jarvis is a cold and calculating villain, but with the ability to turn on the charm when required. An early episode scene where he shouts at a mother-daughter duo at a restaurant for taking a photo of him smartly hints at the darkness hiding underneath the front-page smile.
While Matthew Rhys is given plenty of meaty material to chew on, I wish the same were true of Claire Danes. Aggie is certainly sympathetic, given her tragic backstory, but Danes’ considerable talents are wasted, with the role often requiring little more than looking confused or shocked, and a whole lot of turning on the waterworks. Still, her investigation into Jarvis gives the show enough narrative momentum to keep you hooked until the end.
The road to the endgame is paved with predictable beats. No prizes for guessing that Wigge and Jarvis start frosty, but develop a kind of warped friendship (there’s little romantic tension between the two as Wiggie is a lesbian). This bond is strengthened over wine and Jarvis’ highly appropriate rendition of “Psycho Killer.” Aggie notes, a man suspected of murdering his wife, maybe shouldn’t have The Talking Heads’ 1970s bop as his go-to karaoke tune.
The show is at its best when it focuses on the cat-and-mouse interplay between its two leads. If I were being a little bit charitable, I might say it’s reminiscent of the dynamic between Clarice Sterling and Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.” Things stumble somewhat when the supporting cast takes the spotlight. A subplot about the extramarital affair of an FBI agent covertly assisting Aggie feels especially unnecessary.
While this new Netflix thriller series doesn’t quite make the most of its strong components, “The Beast in Me” is still a show that’s very easy to consume. Each episode adds to the central mystery and gives you enough tantalizing morsels to keep you invested through to the end. However, after polishing off the series, it’s likely to fade from memory very fast.
Stream or skip ‘The Beasts in Me’ on Netflix?
Disposal is a word I've used many times in the past to describe new Netflix shows, and sorry to repeat myself, but “The Beast in Me” falls into that category. It certainly won’t leave the legacy of Claire Danes and Howard Gordon’s last collaboration. But in the streaming world, largely forgettable shows are a dime a dozen, so I can’t exactly rake this one over the coals for it.
If you’re looking for a new Netflix binge-watch that has enough intrigue to keep you watching till the end, I can recommend adding “The Beast in Me” to your watchlist. However, if you’ve got higher expectations, I would advise reining them in. This is not a Netflix series that we’ll all be talking about come the end of the year as one of its best of 2025. And even a few days after consuming, some of the finer details are already becoming foggy.
Alternatively, if you’ve only got time for the very best of streaming, check out my roundup of the 5 best Netflix shows of the year so far. Otherwise, if you want to consider all your options, here’s a complete guide to everything new arriving on Netflix in November 2025.
Watch "The Beast in Me" on Netflix now
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
