The Undoing
Grace Fraser, a successful therapist, seems to have it all—an enviable life in New York City, a loving husband, and a young son. But her world is suddenly turned upside down when a murder is uncovered, her husband mysteriously disappears, and a series of shocking revelations begins to unravel her perfect life.
Susanne Bier, Creator: David E Kelley
Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Donald Sutherland, Edgar Ramirez,
Review
The Undoing begins as a tantalising psychological thriller, drawing audiences into the lavish yet precarious world of the New York elite. With a powerhouse cast led by Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, the series teases viewers with the possibility of hidden motives, dark secrets, and a juicy murder mystery. Yet, as the show progresses, its initial brilliance falters, with some plot elements feeling more like filler than substance.
The performances from the main cast are undoubtedly strong. Hugh Grant shines as Jonathan Fraser, playing against his usual type with a sinister edge that keeps you guessing. His charm mixes with an unsettling undercurrent, making him both sympathetic and suspicious. Nicole Kidman, as Grace Fraser, exudes a quiet intensity, though her character sometimes feels emotionally distant. While this could be seen as part of the mystery, it ultimately contributes to a sense that she is more a device to further the suspense than a fully developed character. Donald Sutherland also delivers a notable performance, adding gravitas to the family dynamic.
However, while the central characters are given plenty of room to develop, many of the side characters are not as fortunate. Several supporting roles feel under-utilised, almost as if they were afterthoughts, included to pad the series rather than enrich the story. These characters appear briefly, hinting at importance, only to be discarded, leaving viewers questioning their relevance.
One of the show’s most frustrating aspects is its over-reliance on red herrings and dead-end plot points. While twists and misdirection are staples of the genre, The Undoing often takes these tactics to excess. What begins as clever intrigue soon turns into a series of plot detours that feel more like an attempt to stretch the narrative than to serve the story. A few misdirections can add to the suspense, but here, they often feel more like a distraction, weakening the overall impact.
The series also suffers from pacing issues. It starts with intelligent dialogue, rich character dynamics, and enough suspense to keep viewers hooked. Yet by the middle, it begins to lose steam. The tension that was once palpable starts to fizzle, and the sharpness of the earlier episodes gives way to a more predictable rhythm. By the time the finale arrives, the once-promising narrative has stumbled, leaving viewers with a conclusion that, while fitting the tone, lacks the punch the earlier episodes seemed to promise.
Visually, The Undoing is polished but predictable. There’s a distinct overuse of cliched establishing shots—luxury Manhattan exteriors, police station exteriors, court house exteriors—that do little more than remind you of where the characters are without adding much to the mood or tension. It feels almost lazy, a far cry from the innovative camera work and scene-setting of other HBO productions.
Final Thoughts
Despite these shortcomings, The Undoing is not without merit. The performances, particularly from Grant and Kidman, carry much of the show’s weight, and there are moments of genuine tension and suspense. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this could have been something more—a sharper, tighter narrative that didn’t rely so heavily on distractions and extraneous characters. While the series holds your attention, it ultimately leaves you wondering if the journey was worth the destination.
