Nicole Kidman’s TV Choices: A Concern
What’s happening with Nicole Kidman and her choice of recent TV projects? Many of her latest small-screen roles seem beneath her talents, evoking a sense that she deserves better. Unlike her impactful performance in Babygirl or her acclaimed role in Big Little Lies, her recent endeavors, including shows like The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers, don’t showcase her full acting abilities. Her latest project, Scarpetta, based on Patricia Cornwell’s novels, feels like a regrettable step down.
A Lackluster Adaptation
Despite the talented cast, Scarpetta ends up being chaotic and poorly executed, reminiscent of the satirical shows featured in 30 Rock or Insecure. Unlike the more entertaining failures seen in The Perfect Couple, this series approaches its material with an overly serious tone, failing to engage viewers. The eight episodes aim for a dark narrative but execute it without excitement, and the ensemble’s performances don’t align effectively with the story’s demands.
An Imbalanced Ensemble
Kidman’s portrayal of Kay Scarpetta contrasts sharply with the other cast members, who seem miscast in comparison. While Kidman embodies the seriousness associated with high-caliber dramas, characters played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Simon Baker appear misaligned, each embodying different stylistic approaches. Only Bobby Cannavale seems to grasp the absurdity of the tone, providing necessary comic relief amidst the chaos.
Complex Storylines, Flat Execution
The creator Liz Sarnoff struggles to weave two timelines effectively. In the present, Scarpetta, aided by her brother-in-law Pete Marino, investigates a brutal murder filled with strange twists. However, the focus on Scarpetta’s family dynamics detracts from the main plot, which leads to rushed character arcs that fall flat. Characters like Benton Wesley and Dorothy Scarpetta lack depth and coherence, leaving viewers disconnected.
Missed Chances for Depth
The show’s attempt to intertwine a past timeline falls short, offering little context to the characters’ current predicaments. Flashbacks to 1998, which feature a younger Scarpetta pursuing a serial killer, do not provide insight into her character’s motivations or struggles with gender-based victimization, hindering audience investment in the story.
Technical Flaws and Lack of Cohesion
From a technical perspective, Scarpetta seems poorly constructed. Directors David Gordon Green and Charlotte Brändström strive to incorporate horror elements, but the editing choices—especially in the finale—introduce confusion rather than clarity. Ultimately, the narrative feels convoluted, lacking both substance and coherence, leaving viewers longing for more engaging storytelling.
Conclusion: A Call for Selectivity
Overall, Scarpetta serves as a stark reminder of how low Kidman’s recent projects have fallen. Its lack of a cohesive narrative and the failure to leverage its talented cast effectively raises concerns about her future choices in television. Fans hope this prompts Kidman to be more selective about her roles moving forward.
Saloni Gajjar is The A.V. Club‘s TV critic. Scarpetta premieres March 11 on Prime Video.
