Watch The Undoing

The Undoing is a 2020 HBO limited drama miniseries directed by Susanne Bier and starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Based on the novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz, the series centers around Grace Fraser (Nicole Kidman), a successful therapist living in Manhattan with her husband Jonathan (Hugh Grant), an oncologist, and their son Henry (Noah Jupe). The series follows their seemingly idyllic life as it gets upended when Grace is pulled into a public disaster that could destroy everything she has built.

The story opens with Grace's life appearing perfect. She is a well-respected therapist, who has a happy family consisting of her husband Jonathan and son Henry, and they all live in a luxurious apartment in New York City. Grace is busy preparing for a fundraising event for her son’s school where she meets Elena (Matilda De Angelis), a young mother from the lower-income section of the school. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Elena is found bludgeoned to death in her studio, and it is revealed that Jonathan was having an affair with Elena.

Grace is left in turmoil as the police suspect Jonathan of the murder, and she struggles to come to terms with her husband's betrayal while trying to protect her son. The Undoing is a captivating psychological thriller that explores the complexities of human relationships, trust and betrayal, and how secrets can unravel everything we believe to be true. The show also tackles themes of class disparity, privilege, and the corrupting influence of power and money.

Throughout the show, the audience is left wondering whether Jonathan is guilty, and the tension builds as more and more evidence comes to light. The show's creators do an excellent job of building suspense and keeping the audience guessing until the very end. There are also several subplots involving the other characters, such as Grace's father, who is a retired attorney, and her best friend, who offers her support in a time when Grace is severely vulnerable.

Nicole Kidman is exceptional in her role as Grace, conveying a range of emotions from vulnerability to strength. She struggles with the conflicting feelings of love for Jonathan and the betrayal she feels from him. Hugh Grant is equally mesmerizing, playing a character that is both charming and manipulative. Matilda De Angelis provides the spark that sets the series in motion, and her character's energy is felt throughout the rest of the show.

The show's directing is also noteworthy, with Bier using a variety of techniques to build tension and create a sense of unease. The use of music, in particular, is notable, with composer Evgueni Galperine's haunting score drawing the audience in and adding to the sense of foreboding. The show's cinematography is also beautifully done, with the city's buildings and streets providing a backdrop that contrasts with the darker elements of the story.

Overall, The Undoing is an excellent miniseries that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the plot is intriguing, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience guessing until the very end. The show explores themes of love, trust, betrayal, and privilege while weaving a psychological thriller that is sure to captivate audiences. The creators have done an excellent job of bringing the novel to life on screen, and the result is a gripping, well-executed piece of television that is not to be missed.