Malice on Amazon Prime: A Sun-Drenched Thriller with a Familiar Face
Amazon Prime video’s new crime series, Malice, delivers a compelling, if somewhat predictable, thriller set against the backdrop of a luxurious Greek summer. The six-episode series, created by James Wood and starring Jack Whitehall, david Duchovny, and Carice van Houten, explores themes of manipulation, revenge, and the dark underbelly of wealth.
The story centers around Adam, a seemingly innocuous tutor who quickly becomes indispensable to wealthy investor Jamie and his family during their summer sojourn in a pristine white villa. Though, a sense of unease permeates Adam’s character, described as a “nice boy” who is “a little bit creepy.” This initial ambiguity sets the stage for a slow burn as Adam subtly infiltrates the family, exploiting their vulnerabilities.
Duchovny portrays Jamie, a self-assured investor oblivious to the danger brewing within his own home. the narrative quickly throws Jamie into turmoil, with accusations of abuse, a rebellious teenage son, and a sudden #MeToo allegation all surfacing. Duchovny’s performance is reminiscent of his role in Californication, embodying an attractive and arrogant figure capable of cool detachment. The series establishes a clear dynamic between hunter and prey, though the focus shifts unexpectedly.
While the central conflict revolves around these two men, much of the attention, notably in the Netherlands, is drawn to jamie’s wife, played by Carice van Houten. Since her iconic role in Game of Thrones concluded in 2019, van Houten has become increasingly recognized for her activism surrounding Gaza and climate change, alongside a string of diverse roles including a TBS psychologist in Red Light and a supporting role in The Temple. In Malice, she initially appears as a somewhat sidelined “trophy wife,” preoccupied with her fashion start-up and overwhelmed by motherhood.However, the series cleverly utilizes her skills, elevating her role to provide a crucial emotional core.
The series draws clear parallels to other suspenseful dramas like The White Lotus and The Talented Mr. Ripley, featuring affluent individuals threatened by a cunning imposter. Adam’s methods oscillate between subtle manipulation and outright brutality, even involving a violent assault. What began as a calculated scheme to exploit Jamie’s wealth ultimately spirals into a desperate attempt to frame him for the murder of a young woman, Chloe. Adam, revealed to be motivated by a past trauma involving his sister and Jamie, meticulously plants evidence to implicate the investor.
The series concludes with Jamie’s arrest, despite his protestations of innocence. However, the final moments reveal that Jamie’s wife, Birte, had discovered Adam’s true intentions and subtly manipulated events to ensure his downfall. She used her influence and resources to expose Adam’s lies to the authorities, effectively turning the tables on the manipulator. Adam is apprehended, and Birte, though shaken, reclaims control of her life and family. The ending is not a complete resolution, leaving viewers to ponder the lasting psychological impact on all involved.
Despite this flaw, Malice boasts beautiful locations and strong performances. One reviewer admitted they would have skipped the series entirely if not for the presence of Carice van Houten.
You can watch the trailer for Malice here:
