My Favourite Thriller of 2025 Is Certainly one of Netflix’s Most-Watched Sequence of the 12 months

Towards the top of the 12 months, Netflix dropped a psychological thriller that turned an prompt obsession of mine. I ate it up in three days, and as soon as I completed the present, it turned one in all my faves of 2025.

If you cannot inform from the above picture, the present I am speaking about is The Beast in Me, the drama starring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. When the present dropped, I seen the title artwork rolling throughout my TV display screen, however paid it no thoughts. Then, I heard Danes discuss concerning the present on a latest episode of the Smartless podcast, and I made a decision to present it a strive. Properly, I am positive glad I did.  

I am not alone within the fandom. On Tuesday, Netflix shared its viewer engagement report for the second half of 2025, and this collection ranked excessive on the streamer’s checklist of the 12 months’s most-watched collection (within the prime 20). That is saying quite a bit, contemplating it premiered in November. 

In The Beast in Me, Danes performs Aggie Wiggs, an creator fighting a debilitating case of author’s block. That is largely because of a family-shattering accident that has left her buried in grief. Her focus on the present’s starting is on a guide concerning the relationship between Supreme Courtroom justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. Nonetheless, as she shortly realizes, that matter is just boring. 

The whole lot adjustments when Nile Jarvis (Rhys), a polarizing determine in the true property improvement world, strikes in subsequent door. He is boastful and rich, and somebody who thrives on stirring the pot, a behavioral trait that throws Aggie off her axis. What’s extra is that Nile is the prime suspect within the loss of life of his first spouse, Madison, who went lacking six years prior. To get away from the stress of the large metropolis — and the media highlight concerning his potential guilt within the matter — Nile strikes in proper down the road from Aggie. 

Do not miss any of our unbiased tech content material and lab-based opinions. Add CNET as a most well-liked Google supply.

Quickly, the thought enters her head: Ought to she write a guide about this man? Furthermore, can she get perception about his spouse’s disappearance and, probably, a confession that he did, in actual fact, homicide her? 

I am positive you may see the place that is going. She ditches the RBG guide and focuses her consideration on Nile Jarvis, which leads the duo to kind a dysfunctional friendship whereas she works with the FBI behind his again to show his guilt. To say extra would require me to delve into the story spoilers that make this present so riveting. So, as an alternative, let’s deal with what makes The Beast in Me such a top-tier thriller and, in my view, one in all Netflix’s greatest reveals of the 12 months.

Learn extra: I’m Crushing My Holiday Watchlist Thanks to These 22 Streaming Services Deals

None of this could work with out the stellar team-up of Danes and Rhys. The Beast in Me is an instance of two actors delivering performances which are utterly targeted on what’s greatest for the story. Their dynamic is unrelentingly partaking, with Danes leaning into the deeply emotional components that made her stand out as Carrie Mathison in Homeland and Rhys doubling down on the sociopathic nature of Nile, effortlessly biking backwards and forwards between Nile’s flashy, charismatic aspect and the aggressive, malicious monster lurking below the floor. 

What makes his efficiency much more noteworthy is Rhys’s means to make you empathize with him, because the present alludes to abuse and trauma from his childhood. I need to admit, it actually takes some appearing chops and top-notch writing to convey this emotional element in a personality with out it coming off as eyeroll-worthy or ham-fisted. It is a Howard Gordon joint, so I am not stunned all of it works so properly.

Gordon, who was the chief producer on Homeland, is the showrunner right here. His artistic reunion with Danes is nothing lower than thrilling. 

The truth is, there have been a number of situations whereas watching the collection the place I seen similarities between Aggie and Nile’s relationship and that of Carrie and Brody in Homeland. Earlier than you ask, the dynamic between Aggie and Nile by no means will get romantic. Nonetheless, an unhealthy obsession and bloodlust bind the 2.  

Whereas The Beast in Me is a showcase of Danes and Rhys, the supporting solid is nothing to scoff at. 

Brittany Snow, who performs Nile’s second spouse, Nina, may’ve been given extra to chew on all through the collection, however when she’s on display screen, she completely delivers. Jonathan Banks effortlessly steps into the Logan Roy-style function of Martin Jarvis, Nile’s gruff, abusive father. David Lyons — whom I instantly acknowledged from the short-lived NBC superhero collection The Cape, with surprising delight — is great as tortured FBI agent Brian Abbott. Natalie Morales is incredible as Aggie’s ex-wife, Shelley. Martin’s youthful brother, Rick, nicknamed “Wrecking Ball” (performed by Tim Guinee), is a quiet supply of terror. Principally, everybody who seems on display screen serves the story the easiest way potential.

The Beast in Me looks like one thing Alfred Hitchcock might do if he have been alive right now. The whole lot from the digicam work and episodic course to the set design and musical rating works collectively harmoniously. It is uncommon for a restricted collection like this to really feel prefer it will get the whole lot proper. I have been attempting to think about flaws, however I am developing quick.

The collection can also be a breath of recent air, because it absolutely earns the “restricted collection” designation, as when all is alleged and achieved, the present closes its story loop. There’s completely room for extra seasons, however the story of Aggie Wiggs and Nile Jarvis is a self-contained one which meets a satisfying finish. 

Nonetheless, the most important draw of The Beast in Me is the two-handed nature of the narrative, with Danes and Rhys commanding all eight episodes. Theirs is a can’t-look-away sparring match now residing rent-free in my head. Clear some area in yours, as a result of for those who’re into well-made tv dramas, this present is required viewing.