‘The Better Sister’ Creators on Creating a ‘Greek Tragedy’ and Striking Gold With Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel

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Elizabeth Banks believes that her latest murder-mystery series, “The Better Sister,” shares some similarities with the works of Shakespeare.

Banks stated at the “The Better Sister” FYC event, moderated by Emily Longeretta of EbMaster, that working on this project reminded him of a Greek tragedy. He explained that it has all the key components that Shakespeare would have written about: two sisters sharing the same husband, a murder victim, and a son struggling to live up to his father’s legacy.

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During the “The Better Sister” FYC event moderated by Emily Longeretta of EbMaster, Banks compared their production experience to that of a Greek tragedy. He noted that it encompassed similar elements Shakespeare might have addressed, such as two sisters sharing the same husband, a murder mystery, and a son grappling with his father’s shadow.

According to Alafair Burke’s 2019 book “The Better Sister”, the story revolves around estranged siblings Nicky (portrayed by Banks) and Chloe (played by Jessica Biel). Their lives are thrown together again when Chloe’s husband, Adam (Corey Stoll), who is also her lawyer, gets unexpectedly killed. The ensemble also includes Maxwell Acee, Gabriel Sloyer, Kim Dickens, and Bobby Naderi.

Finding the ideal actresses for the roles of Nicky and Chloe, two central characters in our show centered around sisterhood, was crucial. Co-showrunner and executive producer Olivia Milch vividly remembers the moment when they paired Banks’ and Biel’s faces together after a rigorous casting search.

I found myself pondering, could we be so brilliant? Indeed, this is astonishing! There’s an eerie sense about it, but there was no denying the magic at play – it simply had to be just so.

Initially, both Banks and Beil dived into Burke’s book promptly. Interestingly, Beil also remembered the advantage of having all eight scripts prepared for cast deliberations, which significantly aided her in grasping the intricate relationship between characters Nicky and Chloe more authentically.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m not usually privy to such detailed scripts, but in this case, the entire story unfolded before me like an open book. Typically, I’d be left guessing or reading just a snippet here and there, needing to piece together the narrative. However, with this script, it was all crystal clear – I could easily follow the plot and understand its direction.

Beyond just the two sisters, “The Better Sister” additionally features a broader cast who become entangled in the intricate web of the murder mystery. The tale’s central dysfunctional alcoholic family captivated co-showrunner and executive producer Regina Corrado, drawing her into the narrative.

I find it intriguing to craft characters who embody traits typical of individuals nurtured within their unique environments,” I mentioned. “Upon closer observation, it becomes evident that they fit into specific roles: The hero, the troubled one.

Beyond exploring family dynamics and deceit, Banks primarily aims to provide an enjoyable experience for the viewers.

Banks expressed excitement, stating, ‘I aim to excite everyone!’ The suspense in these plot twists is palpable; it’s juicy and engaging, with unexpected turns constantly arising. I adore the fact that everyone could be a potential culprit, so if you’re enjoying yourself, all our efforts are worth it.

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2025-06-04 21:17