Unraveling the Perfect Couple's Controversial Finale

The Perfect Couple's Twisted Ending Explained

Spoilers below for The Perfect Couple TV series and book. In what turned out to be an inspired choice, the showrunner Jenna Lamia committed what Elin Hilderbrand’s most devoted readers might consider sacrilege: She took the ending to Hilderbrand’s book and slashed a solid red line through it. The finale episode of the Netflix adaptation—starring Nicole Kidman, Eve Hewson, and Dakota Fanning, among others—bears little resemblance to the final pages of Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel, and that’s to the series’ benefit.

This Is Not the Book's Conclusion

The book features an accidental murder; the series’ murder is ludicrously, viciously intentional. This switch-up was apparently decided in Lamia’s earliest meetings with producers. They all agreed that there needed to be a murderer and a motive for that murder.

Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Situations

• The bride wakes up to the discovery of her maid of honor drowned along Nantucket's coast.
• In the adaptation, money drives characters’ motivations more than in the book.
• Abby, portrayed by Fanning, takes on a ruthless demeanor to secure her status.

The Daring Plot Twist

As Abby learns Merritt is pregnant, her position begins to unravel, leading to a shocking and twisted finale where she literally eliminates her rival. This drastic change shifts the plot from tragedy to vengeance.

Final Thoughts on the Adaptation

The satisfaction of watching a character like Abby receive her just desserts makes for a thrilling viewing experience, enhancing the dramatic stakes beyond the original narrative.