The Perfect Couple: Key Differences Between Netflix’s Show and Elin Hilderbrand’s Book
Netflix’s latest series, “The Perfect Couple,” has made waves with its thrilling twists and a cast full of stars like Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, and Dakota Fanning. However, if you’ve read Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, you’ll quickly realize that the series doesn’t follow the book exactly. While both versions maintain the essence of a Nantucket wedding weekend turned murder mystery, the Netflix adaptation has made some significant changes.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for both the book and the Netflix series of “The Perfect Couple.”
A Nantucket Summer – With a Dark Twist
Set against the picturesque backdrop of a Nantucket summer, “The Perfect Couple” novel revolves around a seemingly perfect wedding that’s thrown into chaos when the maid of honor is found dead. Hilderbrand’s novel, a beach-read classic, intertwines flashbacks and multiple perspectives, while the Netflix series opts for a more straightforward investigation-style narrative, incorporating interviews and interrogation scenes.
Though the overarching plot and culprit remain the same, the changes Netflix made are worth noting. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant differences between the book and the show.
Characters: Name Changes and New Additions
In “The Perfect Couple” novel, the protagonist is Celeste Otis, a shy blonde who works at a zoo. However, in the Netflix adaptation, her character becomes Amelia Sacks – a bold brunette with a stronger presence. While both women share similar jobs and complicated romantic feelings for Benji, Amelia’s brash actions, like running onto the lawn in her underwear, starkly contrast the reserved Celeste of the book.
Additionally, the Windbury family undergoes some changes. In the novel, Greer and Tag Windbury have two sons, Benji and Thomas. However, the Netflix series introduces a third sibling, Will, who plays no role in the original story.
Even smaller characters see changes. Abby, Thomas’s wife, is just as unbearable in both versions but is toned down in the book, where she’s described with a Southern accent and red hair. She’s also pregnant in the novel and struggling with miscarriages, a detail left out of the show.
Merritt and Tag: A Scandalous Romance
Merritt’s death is central to the plot, but her presence is reduced in the show compared to the book. In Hilderbrand’s version, Merritt has a deeply tragic backstory involving workplace harassment and a relationship with a firm partner that leads to her downfall in the PR industry.
Her romance with Tag Windbury is a central plot point in the book, where Tag’s obsession leads to a failed secret getaway. Unlike in the series, the book version of Tag buys Merritt a simple thumb ring, not an expensive bracelet, and their relationship’s demise leaves Merritt heartbroken after she discovers she’s pregnant.
The Love Triangle: Amelia, Benji, and Shooter
One of the most engaging elements in both the book and series is the love triangle between Amelia (Celeste), Benji, and Shooter. In the novel, Shooter Uxley is a self-made man with a tragic past, unlike the more affluent Shooter Dival in the Netflix series.
As the story unfolds, Amelia (Celeste in the book) is torn between Shooter and Benji, culminating in a planned runaway escape with Shooter on the morning of the wedding. However, it’s in this moment that she stumbles upon Merritt’s body, throwing her into a whirlwind of events that ultimately reveal dark secrets.
Greer’s Shocking Reveal
A major addition in the Netflix series is Greer’s backstory, which takes a dramatically different turn. In the series, she confesses to being an escort in her past and reveals a brother with a gambling problem – a twist that doesn’t exist in the novel. Instead, Greer in the book is from a wealthy English family and faces career struggles as an author, with her next book on the verge of being shelved.
The Final Reveal: Abby’s Role in Merritt’s Death
In both the book and the show, Abby is revealed to be the killer. However, the circumstances differ. Netflix’s “The Perfect Couple” portrays Abby as calculating and cold, drowning Merritt to protect her unborn child’s inheritance. In contrast, the novel paints Abby’s actions as accidental. The sleeping pill meant for Featherleigh ends up in Merritt’s drink, leading to her tragic death when she tries to retrieve a ring from the ocean.
Conclusion: The Perfect Couple – A Tale of Two Versions
Whether you’re a fan of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel or Netflix’s adaptation, “The Perfect Couple” offers a gripping mystery filled with complex characters and unexpected twists. While the core plot of both versions remains the same, the changes in the series add new layers to the story, giving fans of the book something fresh to explore. Which version do you prefer?
“The Perfect Couple” is now streaming on Netflix. Don’t miss the chance to dive into this dramatic, sun-soaked mystery!