Apple TV+'s 'Imperfect Women' Disappoints as a Psychological Thriller
How well do you truly know your closest friends? This central question drives Apple TV+'s latest miniseries, Imperfect Women, but the show ultimately fails to deliver the gripping psychological thrills it promises. Based on Araminta Hall's 2021 novel, the series follows three best friends—Nancy (Kate Mara), Eleanor (Kerry Washington), and Mary (Elizabeth Moss)—whose lives unravel after Nancy's murder. However, from the very first episodes, it becomes clear that the series lacks the urgency and emotional engagement needed to captivate viewers.
A Weak Opening Sets the Tone
The premiere episodes, which debuted on Wednesday, open with a voiceover juxtaposing two scenes: Eleanor walking through a dimly lit police station and dancing joyfully with Nancy and Mary. As Eleanor reflects on their powerful, eternal friendship, the scene shifts to show her in tears during an interrogation, stating, "But that's not what happened." Instead of organically building empathy for the trio, the show relies on this clichéd narration and trite dancing sequence, telling viewers to care rather than showing why they should. The setup is meant to highlight the tragedy of Nancy's death after a birthday dinner celebration, but it falls flat, failing to establish a meaningful connection.
Plot and Pacing Issues Undermine Suspense
The core mystery—who killed Nancy—is supposed to unravel through the women's imperfections and hidden secrets, revealing deeper truths about friendship. Yet, the execution is flawed. The excellent cast, including Washington and Moss, is wasted on underwritten roles that don't leverage their acting talents. The plot structure is particularly odd, with the first two episodes focused solely on Eleanor's perspective, leading to a lack of urgency as viewers trudge through her mundane daily life, including work routines, an affair, and family dramas.
Even more relevant subplots, such as Eleanor supporting Nancy's widowed husband Robert (Joel Kinnaman) and grieving daughter Cora (Audrey Zahn), feel disjointed due to constant interruptions from uninteresting tangents. For instance, a cliffhanger at the end of the first episode features a private investigator photographing Eleanor and Robert, but without context, it fails to generate suspense or clarify its link to the murder.
Lack of Psychological Investment
As the story progresses, the plot becomes murkier, with episodes failing to pose compelling questions about the crime or the friends' secrets. This absence of foreshadowing makes it impossible for viewers to feel psychologically invested in solving Nancy's murder or uncovering her affairs. The weekly release format exacerbates this issue, as the initial episodes are unlikely to motivate audiences to tune in for more. Those who do continue may struggle with abrupt focalization shifts; after the third episode, the point of view changes to Nancy for two episodes, then to Mary, draining momentum rather than revealing crucial information.
Another Missed Adaptation for Apple TV+
Overall, Imperfect Women joins the ranks of Apple TV+'s book adaptations like Lessons in Chemistry and Palm Royale that fall short despite prestigious casts. It serves as a reminder that a promising premise cannot compensate for poor development and lackluster storytelling. The series is currently streaming on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes available now and new episodes releasing weekly on Wednesdays through April 29.
