When it comes to pop culture coverage, sometimes (though not always) I prefer television over cinema: and here’s why. Thanks to its format, directors and screenwriters have greater scope to showcase their craft when it comes to fleshing out central characters, adding more depth to the plot, and incorporating twists and turns to keep audiences guessing. Imperfect Women, the newest mystery thriller on Apple TV+ created by Annie Weisman, certainly has plenty of twists, turns, and plot development, but it falls a bit short when it comes to pacing.
Based on Araminta Hall’s novel of the same name, the series centers on the friendship between three women: Nancy (Kate Mara), Eleanor “Ellie” (Kerry Washington), and Mary (Elisabeth Moss). Despite coming from different backgrounds and tax brackets, the trio has remained close since college. But the brutal murder of Nancy shatters their carefully constructed lives, and a decade-long friendship, in a matter of seconds. The series explores how Nancy’s tragic death affects those around her, especially as secrets and lies begin to unravel from episode to episode. As Ellie grows closer to Nancy’s widowed husband Robert (Joel Kinnaman), Mary spirals and becomes obsessed with solving Nancy’s murder: with the help of Adderall, despite the growing concern of her husband Howard (Corey Stoll). In the end, the truth proves to be even more twisted than anyone could have predicted (audience included).
It’s difficult for me to decide whether Imperfect Women is a strictly good or a bad show. It’s certainly not the worst entry in the crime/psychological thriller genre, but it does have its flaws. One of them is pacing. The series takes too long to find its footing, but once it does, it becomes a hell of a ride for anyone who enjoys a classic “whodunnit” narrative and trying to guess the killer. Another issue lies in the characters’ questionable decisions, which can sometimes make the viewing experience frustrating. Eleanor’s character, in particular, had me shouting “What are you doing, Ellie?!” more than once while watching the series.
Nonetheless, the cast of Imperfect Women is dazzling, there’s no doubt about that. Washington, Mara, and Moss lead the story, with Mara’s character appearing mostly in flashbacks as the creators attempt to tell Nancy’s side of the story from beyond the grave. Yet my number one character is Mary, a woman who must be protected at all costs. The way the creators portray her thought process is fascinating, and Moss is especially brilliant in scenes opposite Jackson Kelly, who plays Mary’s son Marcus. Kinnaman is also solid as Robert, a man consumed by grief, guilt, and plenty of whiskey, while Stoll delivers a strong performance as Howard. Leslie Odom Jr. also stands out as Ellie’s brother, Donovan.
The real fun begins around episode four, when each new chapter delivers a shocking moment that pushes you straight into the next episode. The final two are the most intense, as all the puzzle pieces finally begin to fall into place: not only for Ellie, but for Mary as well. While the series primarily focuses on solving the brutal murder, the creators also deliver a narrative about the strength of friendship, as well as the overwhelming weight of guilt and betrayal, whether between friends or lovers.
Imperfect Women isn’t perfect (pun intended). What ultimately makes it a worthwhile watch are the aforementioned twists and turns, along with a finale that is anything but predictable. Not to mention the lead trio, Mara, Washington, and Moss, who consistently deliver excellent performances, and this series is no exception.
Grade: C+
Imperfect Women premieres on Apple TV+ on March 18.
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Imperfect Women
After a murder shatters the lives of three best friends, their decades-long bond is tested when an investigation reveals betrayals and shocking truths.
