Review: Lack of Suspense in Amazon Prime Video’s “Malice”
When it comes to thrillers, the Amazon Prime Video series “Malice” falls short in delivering tension. Right from the start, viewers are introduced to Adam, played by Jack Whitehall, who clearly has ulterior motives when he arrives at the Greek vacation home of the wealthy Tanner family. The show opens with a flash forward to Adam being detained at an American airport, hinting at a dark fate that has befallen Tanner patriarch Jamie, played by David Duchovny. Despite this intriguing setup, “Malice” fails to maintain suspense throughout its episodes, leaving the plot feeling loose and lacking in excitement.
Creator and writer James Wood makes it abundantly clear that Adam is a shady character from the get-go. His arrival at the Tanner family’s vacation home, under the guise of a tutor to their friends’ children, is marked by a snake entering the pool, symbolizing Adam’s deceitful nature. Despite these obvious warning signs, the Tanner family fails to see through Adam’s facade, setting the stage for his manipulation and exploitation of their trust.
As Adam ingratiates himself with the Tanner family members, including Jamie, Nat, and their children, the show delves into the cracks in their affluent facade. Kit, Jamie’s son from a previous marriage, is in trouble at school, adding to the family’s existing tensions. However, as Adam’s manipulative actions unfold, the sense of playfulness present in the initial setup dissipates, leaving viewers with a predictable narrative that lacks depth and complexity.
While Adam’s villainous intentions are clear from the start, “Malice” fails to capitalize on the suspense of his elaborate plan. The show shies away from fully exploring Adam’s actions, leaving key plot points unresolved and missing opportunities for intrigue. Additionally, the shifting perspectives between Adam and the Tanner family members prevent viewers from being fully immersed in the unfolding drama, further detracting from the overall tension of the series.
Despite drawing comparisons to other grifter narratives like “Ripley” and “The White Lotus,” “Malice” struggles to distinguish itself in a saturated genre. The performances of the cast, including Duchovny and Whitehall, fail to elevate the characters beyond cliched roles, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience. Ultimately, “Malice” falls short in delivering the thrills and suspense expected from a thriller series, leaving audiences wanting more.
All six episodes of “Malice” are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, but viewers may find themselves underwhelmed by the lackluster execution of what could have been a gripping thriller.
