Nine Perfect Strangers (2021) User Reviews

Michael Shannon has some incredible range.

[amycarender · 8/10 · 1 September 2021]

Ok, obviously I haven't finished the series so there are no spoilers here.

But this show is the one that really sealed in Michael Shannon's incredible range for me. It's astounding how much different he can be from his bad guy persona or his mafia/crime boss characters. Honestly, he makes the whole show for me. I can't believe it's the same guy.

I'm sure the other actors are absolutely killing it. I think Melissa McCartney is also showing some range but Michael Shannon just dominates the screen for me.

Worth watching.

Great cast, interesting story lines

[gbill-74877 · 8/10 · 11 October 2021]

Four strangers, a family of three, and a couple come to an unconventional wellness center run by a Russian immigrant (Nicole Kidman). She asks them to surrender their phones and be open-minded to a variety of therapies, and as the series plays out, we find out they're dealing with a number of issues, including death, substance abuse, bad relationships, anger, and crippling self-doubt. Kidman's character herself has been traumatized and is on a journey of her own, but as a therapist some of the techniques she employs teeter on the edge of being unethical and possibly harmful to her clients, so that even as they make progress, it's a conflicting, somewhat scary ride.

At the heart of it for me, or at least what I thought was most successful, was the storyline revolving around the parents and their daughter who were trying to come to terms with the suicide of their son/brother. The feelings as they unraveled were truly touching, and the performances from Asher Keddie and Michael Shannon were excellent. Also wonderful were Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale who play an author and retired NFL athlete who start off detesting one another. It's a little predictable where their story is going, but it has nuance, humor, and a depth of feeling that kept it from becoming sappy.

Less successful was the subplot with the married couple who've lost their sizzle (Samara Weaving and Melvin Gregg). Her self-esteem issues were the most well developed and held some interest, but it just didn't seem like enough was done with this pair. The guests are rounded out with a mother whose husband left her for a younger woman (Regina Hall), and an uncover reporter (Luke Evans). Hall's performance stands out for its intensity, and how her story intersects the therapist's adds a nice little wrinkle.

Overall, it's a well-made production, with great cinematography, trippy effects, and nice soundtrack. The ending is overly rosy, but there was so much pain in the lives of these characters that I forgive the series (or the author) for that. It definitely held my interest and was fun to binge watch.

I don't get the bad reviews

[bp29 · 8/10 · 19 August 2021]

It's not a perfect show, but from the first 3 episodes that have been released it's intriguing- there's an overall uneasy feeling, the acting is very good for the most part (the scenes between Melissa Mcarthy and Bobby Cannavale's characters steal the show) and the scenery is beautiful!! I definitely will be watching the other episodes as they are released.

Finally a good mysterious drama

[Hjerteslag · 7/10 · 18 August 2021]

No spoilers just commentary.

A very intriguing tale of lives. The most important thing to me is there isn't one bit of filler in this series, every minute and moment adds something interesting. Each character has their story, their secrets and their vices. As the show progresses and unfolds, the more info is divulged and unraveled, a surreal turn of events makes itself known.

The cinematography and visuals are glorious, views are breathtaking. The contrast of the setting to the unraveling characters.

The fruit smoothies look delicious.

The Russian host (Nicole Kidman) has no need to be Russian, it adds nothing to the plot, and doesn't sound Russian, I am not sure why there needs to be an exotic host from somewhere that isn't the US.. it ends up sounding like a faux, generic European accent and it is annoying. She is very interesting without it, is the perfect ring leader of the ragtag group.

It's hard to not be absorbed in this fascinating, riveting, and captivating series.

Update. My initial review was about half way through the series. After watching the end it's definitely slower as far as pacing goes. Also Nicole Kidman is incredibly hard to watch in this just as she usually is in everything. The bad accent makes it worse.

The momentum just falls off a bit, maybe could have been shortened by an episode? It's worth the watch but it's not groundbreaking by any means.

Clinically Unbalanced

[owen-watts · 6/10 · 28 September 2021]

This adaptation of the enigmatic novel by Liane Moriarty is supremely watchable but flawed. Buoyed by some tremendous core performances but the plot wobbles often as the show leans far too heavily on the star power, sucking time away from Regina Hall's mesmerically volatile Carmel and making Ben & Jess seem hilariously superfluous in comparison to McCarthy, Kidman or Shannon. It's got some nice photography and it'll keep you guessing along the journey - but it doesn't particularly stick the landing.

A show about trauma, and about people that have it, never more timely

[sherylchilders82 · 9/10 · 11 September 2021]

It can be funny and disturbing. Despite the warnings about possibly triggering, it wasn't that bad for me (being diagnosed with PTSD). There's a lot of intense psychology, so maybe not for people who aren't into that kind of thing. It is also a mystery / thriller, as there seems to be an alternate story still waiting to be uncovered, especially with Kidman's character (who is a great character). It also probably won't sit well with religious types, given some of the themes.

Much like the therapy endured by the guests, the show starts softer and lighter, them becomes more intense each episode. Sometimes it almost hints at mystical elements, but this is not a primary theme, merely a plot device. This show is rooted in science and psychology, not the supernatural. The most incredible thing it does is flesh out the characters; we start off thinking they are all deeply flawed, then come to understand their viewpoints. It's a sort of exercise in empathy, which is great for the times. I would definitely say it's worth the watch, if even just for the wonderful Melissa McCarthy.

Interesting But Doesn't Come Together

[sweidman-28016 · 6/10 · 28 September 2021]

"You have all come here to die. I will bring you back."

Nine stressed city dwellers visit a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation. The resort's director is a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. Nine Perfect Strangers is another limited series by David E. Kelley, creator of Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, who also wrote the novel Big Little Lies. We're greeted with what we've seen before: big cast, impressive cinematography, and an intriguing mystery. The story may not be as fleshed out as the other shows, but the show is interesting enough to go all the way through. The cast is really what carries it. As strange as the casting may be, especially Nicole Kidman, they all end up fulfilling their characters. We reach into a different level of each character every episode. It can take a while to find a liking to all characters but by the last couple episodes we can gage who they are and how much we like them. Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Bobby Cannavale, and Tiffany Boone stood out from the whole ensemble. You can see definite growth. But the real star is Regina Hall as Carmel. From the start, she's the character we can sympathize the most with, but she has so much to give and she gives it her all!

Continuing on with characters, part of the problem with the show is the characters. There's nine plus people we need to get through in a short period of time, and as you might have been able to tell, not all get the treatment needed. I feel bad for Samara Weaving and Melvin Gregg because they were so forgettable, maybe not Weaving as much. Their story is essentially thrown away by the end and they didn't do much for the story. The family that gets most of the time has an interesting arc, but it can be a little too much time when they come to a conclusion and then go back to it an episode later. Nicole Kidman's story ends up crossing paths with another and it's handle in a way that's so unsatisfying. Jonathan Levine could've raised the stakes with the way he directed it, but as a new genre for him I think he wanted to focus on other aspects. The first two episodes were very impressive and the ending didn't really nail it, but the others I liked. Episode 6 actually took my interest in how it was shown visually and written. The cinematography looks absolutely stunning, especially outside with the nature shots. You can see the inspiration taken from Midsommar. The overall aesthetic was great, and I think that's what they wanted to get at. I just wish they fleshed out the story much more. In the end, Nine Perfect Strangers is an entertaining watch, but nothing super captivating. Each episode has something interesting, but it doesn't quite lace everything together nicely.

Good story for those who have the patience to let it develop.

[gina_gemini · 8/10 · 18 August 2021]

If you liked Big Little Lies and were waiting for something similar let me tell you this show has the perfect ingredients.

Based on a book by the same author, check.

David E. Kelly behind the project, check.

Nicole Kidman as the lead, check.

What else do you need. Just put your trust in these talented people, sit back and wait to be entertained.

Weak ending

[zustroy · 6/10 · 23 September 2021]

Haven't read the book.

I feel unpleasant when while watching Kidman. Not sure if I should hate or feel sorry for her.

Intriguing beginning, very weak ending.

Not what I was expecting

[roxanabanana47 · 5/10 · 27 September 2021]

The beginning of the plot was so interesting and mysterious, thought some really crazy twist would happen but the reality was that the ending was so flat and corny that made it really boring, it wasn't mysterious at all. The series was very repetitive and not much happened that was worth the while.

Life lessons

[wonderstone_entertainment · 8/10 · 23 September 2021]

There were at least a dozen life lessons taught through the existence and experiences of every character. In my eyes, that makes this series meaningful and gloriously made.

Disappointing when you finish watching

[jkt2006 · 4/10 · 15 October 2021]

This series starts with such a bang and is promising and highly mysterious once the characters unfold, but from there on it's just a drag of the characters, the story goes in to lose its pace and strength. The worst is the ending where as if the writer was not sure which way to go but chose something that all will find appeasing. I don't know what genre to put this in as well. It's starts as a drama then starts to look like a drama thriller and then falls flat on its face. Bad script as well Sorry to all who have given high ratings, but I was totally disappointed and found it a waste of my time.

Not in a million years

[AfricanBro · 7/10 · 30 November 2021]

Firstly, I think you need to watch the entire season to get what the series is on about, and if you don't like it then, that's alright, but judging this show based off the first couple episodes is nugatory because the the whole season is about what's gonna happen at the end. So don't watch it if you're unwilling to go the distance, which isn't that far, just 8 episodes.

At first, I thought it was going to have a "White lotus" type of ending, just some cliche finale where murder happened and the culprit is revealed, but not in a million years would I have guessed the direction the show was going even though there were several inklings along the way. I don't think it's the best show out there or anything, but it definitely doesn't deserve poor ratings; the first couple episodes weren't bad either, just left you a little all over the place because you don't get to piece together the full story yet, only that something unorthodox is happening so it's definitely worth a wait till the end before making up your mind about it. And if you are prudent when watching each character's story, there could be a thing or two you can learn from it as well.

Each Episode gets worse

[jackbaumel · 13 September 2021]

Fantastic cast totally torpedoed by terrible pacing and direction. The longer it goes on, the less interested I am in the characters' outcomes.

The accents...

[kimberleylouisetaylor · 7/10 · 26 August 2021]

A really enjoyable experience...but omg the bad accents!

Why not just use the Australian accents?

I've Read The Book, So I Know...

[discobiskitts-371-753539 · 10/10 · 21 August 2021]

If you haven't read the book, you shouldn't be leaving a review yet.

I get that you may be having a hard time getting past Kidman. Same. But she is one small part in a very large picture and as much as she annoys you, it'll make sense (you'll still hate her, but it'll make sense) in the end.

So refrain from leaving a review until you've finished the series. I promise it's nothing like you think. It's worth the wait and all the slow, seemingly pointless information will all make sense. You all live in a world of instant gratification and forget what suspense is like, even when it's not causing your blood pressure to increase.

The TV adaptation follows the novel very closely. If you read the book you'll enjoy it on the screen. If you haven't read the book, sit back, shut up, and get ready for a bumpy ride. THEN leave your review.

Nicole Kidman !?? Geeeezus awful

[paul_lustica · 7/10 · 21 August 2021]

Anything she appears in lately, I'm distracted by her face and what she has done to it. Also she does not seem believable playing a Russian guru, her accent is terrible and seems to overact. Apart from that the rest of the cast are good and it is ok so far with 3 episodes in.

Never read the book, went in blind

[andy_ryan84 · 9/10 · 3 September 2021]

Another reviewer stated those giving high scores must be fans of the book. I'm not, never read it or thankfully non of the reviews on here prior to taking the plunge.

See, as I'm usually the sort to despise pretentious garbage and the usual crowd of "intellects" that sing its praises to the rest of us lowly peasants; I tend to give more credence to honest reviews (most of which these days seem low).

Most 9 or 10 star reviews on IMDB are from cast/crew of the films or their families/friends.

On this occassion however, I'm genuinely surprised at the negativity for this show.

This isn't a show I would usually go for but there was nothing else on and so I went for it. I'm five episodes in and find that despite it being a slow burning mystery and tale of intrigue, it actually does have a decent pace and isn't filled with long moments of artsy staring into the camera, deafening silences or angled shots of inanimate objects.

Another reviewer stated Melissa Mcarthy is the only decent act in this show....?

Erm, what? Whilst she definitely is great in this, they're all decent performances. Michael Shannon's is fantastic.

Others saying Nicole Kidman's character is "strange", "weird", "like an alien" etc...... I'm sorry for this but you're showing your IQ levels up a bit here; as she's MEANT to be like that....that's the POINT!

Her accent? Meh......but I'm not gonna get hung up about it. She's not the first to mess up an accent, nor will she be the last. If you're the sort to let one little thing ruin everything for you, then good luck with that I guess.

Overall I laughed out loud a few times and got a lump in my throat on others.

I may be getting more soppy over my years but I find the gradual bond between the characters to be heart warming too.

All the while the plot thickens and the boiling pot simmers in the background.

I'm enjoying it a lot and I'm usually a tough-to-please member of the audience......

Each to their own though......

Confused.

[arod_85 · 6/10 · 26 September 2021]

I expected a thriller or mystery but the story did not end up going anywhere near where I thought it was going. Every character, except maybe Nicole Kidman, was amazing in this show. As the characters progressed, I felt myself liking each of them far more than I initially thought I would. The scenery is eerie and beautiful setting the landscape that things are not what they seem in this paradise-esqe, "tranquil" place. The show unfolded giving you just enough to remain vested, but I never really could figure out where it was going. Even one episode before the show ended I was still not sure which direction the show was heading. It seemed like the mystery of what was really going on was intentional and I appreciated that. Then when the show finally starts to come full circle, utter disappointment settled in because the ending was unfortunately significantly anticlimactic. Which was such a huge let down because it had all the tools to be great, except the most important part: the story. The ending could be considered " happy" and was intended to be satisfying, but if I'm honest, I was very annoyed. I can't say I regretted watching the show, it just could have been so much stronger and many elements that seemed like there were going to be of some significance to the overall story, fell completely flat. I can't say the show was terrible, but it wasn't all that good either.

Not my usual cup of tea, but so well done that I'm hooked

[abcprivateemail · 8/10 · 10 September 2021]

Usually I'm a pretty harsh critic. Usually I don't care for tearjerker dramas (refuse to watch This is Us and its doppelgangers on other networks). This show is so well done in every aspect though that through episode 4 I'm hooked. Intro music and graphics awesome. Writing awesome. Story pacing excellent. Characters well done. Acting spectacular. Music selection appropriately cheeky. I keep breaking into tears... not normal for me. Adds laughs here and there. Drama seems realistic, not manufactured.

What we all wanted...I explain

[a-pedro-c · 7/10 · 15 September 2021]

It all boils down to a bunch of strangers who agree to start being lightly drugged until they walk stoned through a wonderful place. Who didn't want to? Good actors, filmed in a beautiful place but... it's a very bland story.

Not Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 4/10 · 30 October 2021]

Nine Perfect Strangers had a great cast and a nice prompt for a story. However, and even though right from the start you know that something is wrong with the whole establishment, as the story progressed, the series got weaker and weaker, with a lukewarm built up and a disappointing ending.

Better titled as "Camp Tranquilum"

[TheTruthofItIs · 7/10 · 6 October 2021]

"Nine Perfect Strangers" (single season, 8 eps, 45-55 mins, Hulu) is a pretty fun/decent ride since its production is top tier: all star cast and A-team writers and director. The visuals are splendid from actresses such as Samara Weaving and Nicole Kidman, the resort/spa/retreat environment, and the psychedelics that occur. The story itself centers on the spa guests' faults, regrets, transgressions, insecurities, etc, and the pace is pretty fast since we have to examine those elements for each of the nine in addition to several of the troubled staff loyal to Nicole's "Masha" character. I believe this was designed as a single-season mini-series so you're going to wish there was time/budget for a 13-ep run instead of the short-ish 8 eps. Especially since the final scene makes no sense, apparently was thrown together at the last minute, too bad, and those two things are why it's a 7 instead of an 8 or 9 for me.

Undeniable Originality

[juliancooper-935-75705 · 7/10 · 15 September 2021]

Nine Perfect Strangers (filmed in Byron Bay) is unlike anything I've ever seen before. Neither Kidman, nor McCarthy dominate. They both play their respective roles so well, it's hard to not like their characters.

For crying out loud, I thought I'd never watch a film with McCarthy in it ever again - but this is different.

The first three episodes don't reveal much at all... but after that, it all starts to make sense.

And the series is not necessarily centred around Kidman/McCarthy - there are many other fine characters, and a lot of humour, fun, weirdness, and micro-dosing :D

Just thinking about the show makes me giggle as I type this.

It is a limited production series, so it doesn't go on and on senselessly making up new scenarios borrowed from elsewhere. It is very original from my point of view.

If you watch it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Oh snap!!

[and_shove_it_up_your_butt · 8/10 · 19 August 2021]

What a wonderfully twisted and intriguing show. Nicole Kidman is frightful and yet delightful. Nine Perfect Strangers has me on the edge of my seat. Nine Perfect Strangers is a pot of hot water on the stove threatening to boil over.

Well done, Hulu.