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Netflix’s latest psychological thriller, His & Hers, adapted from Alice Feeney’s bestselling book, presents a suspenseful, slow-burn story that explores marriage, betrayal, and the ripple effects of grief. Co-directed by William Oldroyd and Anja Marquardt, with a screenplay co-written by Oldroyd and four collaborators, the six-episode series features an ensemble cast including Tessa Thompson, Jon Bernthal, Sunita Mani, and Pablo Schreiber. Each episode runs about 40 minutes, and the series aims to combine whodunit intrigue with deep emotional drama.
Synopsis
The series opens with the shocking discovery of a woman’s body left on the hood of her car in the woods of Dahlonega, Georgia. Detective Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal) and his assistant, Priya Patel (Sunita Mani), are tasked with solving the murder. At the same time, investigative journalist Anna Andrews (Tessa Thompson) returns from a year-long bereavement leave and seeks involvement in the case. The story hints at hidden secrets, mysterious motives, and a web of relationships that may hide more than meets the eye.
First Impressions
From the outset, His & Hers slowly builds tension, opting for a deliberate pace that sometimes risks losing viewers’ attention. However, the payoff comes in the later episodes when the series delivers a jaw-dropping plot twist that leaves audiences stunned. Personally, I found myself staring at the screen for almost twenty seconds, numb and flabbergasted by the revelation. While the twist is compelling, it also raises questions about the narrative’s sequencing and certain plot details.
Story and Themes
His & Hers navigates several heavy themes, including infidelity, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), blackmail, and the long-term consequences of personal vendettas. The portrayal of dementia is particularly nuanced—small, almost mundane acts, like serving eggs in their shell or offering hot water as tea, convey the confusion and vulnerability that come with the condition. Similarly, the series touches on PTSD, particularly around the trauma of losing a child, adding layers of emotional depth to the storyline.
The show also explores moral ambiguity and forgiveness, examining how long-held grudges can resurface decades later. While these themes are strong, some subplots, like the death due to inhaler issues or the involvement of certain secondary characters, felt underdeveloped and somewhat extraneous to the main narrative.
Casting and Performances
The cast delivers solid performances across the board. Tessa Thompson brings depth and relatability to Anna, while Jon Bernthal portrays Jack with emotional restraint and moral complexity. Sunita Mani’s Priya often plays the observant assistant, though her character occasionally feels sidelined. The younger version of Anna, played by Kristen Maxwell, is a highlight, bringing a believable continuity to the character. Costuming, cinematography, and the score all complement the tense atmosphere, although some sequences could have benefited from tighter editing.
Strengths and Lessons
The series emphasizes the importance of empathy, perspective, and accountability in relationships. Jack’s care for his mother-in-law despite marital tensions highlights loyalty and personal integrity. The narrative also reminds viewers that there are multiple sides to every story—HIS, HERS, THEIRS, and OURS, the audience’s viewpoint.
Reservations
Several aspects of the plot may stretch credibility. Questions arise around technology use, character motivations, and unresolved storylines. Examples include the feasibility of facial recognition unlocking a deceased person’s phone, the seemingly impractical handling of the deceased’s phone by a character, and unexplained subplots involving secondary characters like Richard and Meg. While these gaps do not ruin the story, they leave a few loose ends that attentive viewers may notice.
Conclusion
Overall, His & Hers is a moderately engaging series with strong performances and a shocking twist that saves the slower portions of the narrative. While pacing issues and unresolved subplots prevent it from being exceptional, the suspense, emotional depth, and final revelations make it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological thrillers. Its mature themes and explicit scenes make it suitable for adult viewers.
Verdict: 6.5/10
Have you watched His & Hers yet? How did you feel about the ending and plot twists?
Watch trailer below:
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