Netflix’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Grows Into a Dark, Twisted Delight: TV Review

As a seasoned reviewer with a penchant for delving into the intricacies of mystery series, I must say that “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a captivating addition to the genre, particularly when it comes to exploring the complexities of youth and the shadows that hide beneath small-town facades.

Television shows like “13 Reasons Why,” “Cruel Summer,” and multiple versions of “Pretty Little Liars” have created a unique niche in TV storytelling by focusing on mysteries involving teenage girls. The newest addition to this genre, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” inspired by the first book in Holly Jackson’s bestselling series, delves into themes of anger, fixation, and sexual misconduct from a young character’s point of view.

The television show, transformed by Poppy Cogan and helmed by Dolly Wells, commences in 2019 on a gloomy road within the quaint English hamlet of Little Kilton. Seventeen-year-old Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies) is seen struggling down the street, with a fatal wound at the back of her head clearly shown, marking her last known appearance alive. Five years later, we’re introduced to Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers), who is nearing the end of high school. Intrigued by the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Andie, Pip decides to dedicate her senior project to unraveling this mystery. Despite Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni), Andie’s ex-boyfriend, having confessed to the crime before taking his own life and with no body found, the townspeople are eager to put the gruesome incident behind them, hurling racist slurs at the Singh family. However, the case has always lingered in Pip’s mind, compelling her to delve into the past. Over six episodes, she unearths secrets and truths that will prevent the town from burying them again.

Pip initiates her inquiry by talking to the friends of the deceased teens, including her closest friend’s older sister Naomi (Yasmin Al-Khudhairi), to understand what led things astray. By forming a bond with Sal’s hesitant younger brother Ravi (Zain Iqbal), who acts as her companion in solving mysteries, Pip constructs a detailed timeline that guides them towards a startling revelation.

The show “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” generally succeeds as a mystery thriller, but it heavily relies on a number of convenient plot devices due to its short six-episode run. Important clues to the crime often seem to land in Pip’s lap, and while her character is sometimes believable, her detective skills are lacking. She takes unnecessary risks, such as confronting dangerous individuals and leaving her family’s distinctive red station wagon exposed during surveillance. These problematic actions of Pip’s may be explained by her developing brain, but they certainly don’t make them any less irritating.

Initially, over the first five episodes, and especially the one before the last which includes a surprising turn of events, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” skillfully explores the torment of adolescence for girls, the intricacies of friendship, and the misleading nature of appearances. However, in the final episode, the storylines become confused and implausible, giving the impression that the writers were hurriedly trying to wrap things up neatly. Despite Pip’s questionable choices, her determination and instinctive nature make her a captivating character.

While Andie’s mysterious disappearance forms a backdrop, “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” primarily explores the self-discoveries Pip makes. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers hidden aspects of her relationships and the motivations that drove her to delve so deeply into the case.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” premieres Aug. 1 on Netflix.

2024-08-01 16:16

Netflix’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Grows Into a Dark, Twisted Delight: TV Review

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