The opening credits of “The Perfect Couple” almost caused a mutiny among the cast when director Susanne Bier insisted on a flashmob-style dance sequence. Despite the initial resistance, the Netflix murder mystery based on Elin Hildebrand’s book delves into the secrets of the wealthy Winbury family after a body is discovered during a family wedding.
The somewhat incongruous dance routine features the entire cast, including Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning, and Liev Schriber, dancing in unison on the beach to Meghan Trainor’s “Criminals.” Bier explained that she wanted to convey a sense of fun and life to the audience amidst the dark undertones of the show.
The cast, however, were not convinced and even started a WhatsApp group to try and stop the dance sequence. Meghann Fahy, who plays Merritt in the show, expressed her nerves about learning choreography, while Ishaan Khattar, who plays Scooter, questioned how the dance fit into their characters’ arcs.
The producers also had concerns about time constraints for shooting the sequence, which was choreographed by Charm La’Donna. Bier’s insistence on the dance routine came after an eight-month hiatus due to strikes, causing some to question the decision.
Nicole Kidman, who plays Greer, initially had doubts about her character dancing but eventually embraced the idea. Only Schriber was fully on board from the start, practicing the dance moves in his trailer. La’Donna praised the cast for being fast learners and expressed that the beach dance day was a fun experience.
The choreographer incorporated “classical” dance steps influenced by movies like “Saturday Night Fever” and infused the routine with themes from the show, such as a move symbolizing the murder mystery central to the series.
Despite the initial resistance, the cast ultimately found joy in the dance sequence. Fahy admitted that they all ended up enjoying the experience, with many even finding it amazing in the end. The behind-the-scenes struggles with the dance routine added an extra layer of excitement to the show’s premiere.
