Malice: A Psychological Thriller Series Review

“Despite some odd narrative choices made in the first episode, Malice as a whole is a riveting revenge thriller.”

Malice is a psychological thriller series starring Jack Whitehall, David Duchovny, and Carice van Houten. The six-episode series releases today on Prime Video.

Malice follows Adam (Jake Whitehall), a tutor who charms his way into the Tanner family. Once he gains their trust, he begins turning them against each other to carry out his plot. It’s an intriguing premise, but the series reveals way too much right from the first episode. It should have left some doubts to build up the tension. But here, it builds up the tension while revealing crucial details about Adam’s motives too soon. This is counterproductive. And that’s all the more disappointing because the story is actually interesting. It’s exciting to see the situation unfold.

REVIEW

Adam’s slowly gaining the family’s trust while destroying them from the inside is gripping to watch. As you watch it happening, the audience will be left wondering, Does it ever stop? His scheme goes deeper and deeper. Behind his charismatic, helpful presence is a manipulative man who’s extremely cunning, making him all the more dangerous. He’s ready to go to great lengths to enact his plan because of what his actions are; it’s difficult to like the character. You actually come to hate him quite quickly. Thus, the audience will instead take Tanner’s family side.

Nevertheless, the Tanner family has their own inner struggles. Each family member has their own storyline, and they’re all affected differently by Adam’s presence. So, is this worth watching? Yes, it is. Despite the mistakes made in the first episode, the series as a whole is a riveting thriller.

CAST

Jake Whitehall delivers a stunning performance as Adam. He plays both sides of the character skilfully. He has a presence that really plays up the character’s charisma. Jake knows how to be charming, how to seduce. There’s something comforting about him at times. But he’s also just as good playing the twisted side of Adam. It’s thrilling to watch. David Duchovny is great as usual; he delivers a layered performance as the father of the Tanner family. Carice van Houten is just as good, too.

VISUALS AND OPENING CREDITS

Furthermore, the series takes place in Greece and London. The scenery in Greece is stunning. This is a little paradise. Thus, the setting in Greece acts as a contrast to Adam’s dangerous presence for the Tanner family. However, a few scenes are pretty unnecessary. Indeed, the sex scenes feel like they are here to add some sex in the series. A good sex scene serves the story, but here, they don’t serve a real purpose; it’s just arousing.

I always say a series is better when it has opening credits. And this one has! It uses the song “Blame” by Gabriels while displaying the beautiful scenery of Greece in animated, bright colours. It’s a rather relaxing opening compared to what’s happening in the story. It works.

VERDICT

Despite some odd narrative choices in the first episode, Malice as a whole is a riveting revenge thriller, with Jake Whitehall delivering a stunning performance.