In a charming, neatly trimmed neighborhood like Leeds, England, a young couple, Pete (Alfred Enoch) and Evie (Eleanor Tomlinson), are eager to start a fresh chapter. However, their new suburban life is not as ordinary as it appears. The six-part psychological thriller “The Couple Next Door” on Starz (aired in the U.K. on Channel 4 in 2023) reveals that their relationship and lives will be drastically changed by their neighbors, Danny (Sam Heughan) and Becka (Jessica De Gouw). Adapted from the Dutch series “Nieuwe Buren,” and written by David Allison, this gripping show is hard to resist, with its enticing romance and absurd twists.
The Neighbors’ Mysterious Beginning
The story begins with a startling event. A gunshot echoes through the woods, followed by a frantic barefoot woman, Evie, running amidst the trees while Pete, Danny, and Becka chase after her in hot pursuit. As the narrative unfolds, we go back to the beginning of their lives in this subdivision. Vibrant yoga instructor/influencer Becka extends her husband Danny’s help when she witnesses Pete struggling to unload a moving truck on their first day. This act of kindness sets the foundation for a connection between the couples. Despite Evie and Pete’s long-term relationship, Evie finds herself captivated by the palpable passion shared by Becka and Danny. Their chemistry stirs a dormant sensuality within her that she yearns to experience. However, journalist Pete remains content with their conventional marital life.
The show mainly explores the escalating sexual tension within the four main characters, particularly after a problematic spa getaway. Allison adds depth to the story with various subplots. Danny and his coworker Gary (Joel Morris) encounter some trouble with a local criminal figure, but this storyline doesn’t fully develop. Furthermore, Danny must face some ghosts from his past. Although it’s clear that he has flaws, some of his actions veer into the realm of soap operas and could have been toned down for a more authentic feel. Lastly, the inclusion of a mysterious Christian cult leans heavily towards sensationalist beach reads.
In addition to the main plot, there’s another intricate storyline involving a neighbor named Alan, played superbly by Hugh Dennis. This older character harbors an inappropriate obsession with Becka, which unfortunately highlights the way women often suffer for men’s transgressions. Instead of continuing the cop drama narrative, this deviation could have been more impactful if it delved into the origins of Alan’s infatuation, his complex relationship with his patient wife Jane (Kate Robbins), and why this seemingly ordinary suburban neighborhood appears to lack progressive and feminist women. It’s worth noting that not every millennial in Leeds seems to find the concept of sex work offensive.
In spite of a thin storyline, the acting, even with Heughan’s somewhat rough Australian accent, manages to keep the show cohesive. The actors are given limited material, but they convey raw emotions such as anguish, betrayal, longing, and desire convincingly. Enoch shines as a character struggling to accept his current life. Heughan delivers a powerful performance as a hyper-masculine cop who wants to do what’s right but resorts to evasive and emotionally detached behavior. Tomlinson takes on the challenge of portraying a woman attempting to break free from societal expectations while healing from past wounds. However, it’s De Gouw who truly stands out in this series. She is captivating and versatile, breathing life into a character that could have been a stereotypical, superficial portrayal of a “sexy” mom.
While “The Couple Next Door” has its expected and sometimes absurd moments, such as portraying Enoch as an ordinary man, the captivating camaraderie among the actors shines brightly throughout. The drama revolving around relationship issues, some stemming from ineffective communication, helps to offset the occasionally confusing plot twists. Despite not offering anything particularly new, “The Couple Next Door” remains a delightfully entertaining, somewhat naughty indulgence.
“The Couple Next Door” premieres Jan. 17 on Starz, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.
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2025-01-17 17:16