Netflix’s ‘The Beast In Me’ Centers On A Predatory Power Dynamic

Matthew Rhys in ‘The Beast in Me’ on Netflix.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

Who is the cat, and who is the mouse? It’s hard to tell at first in the new Netflix thriller The Beast In Me, starring Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, and Brittany Snow.

Danes, who is well known for her role as Carrie Mathison on the award-winning Showtime CIA drama series Homeland, portrays acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs, who is reeling from the tragic death of her young son and the implosion of her marriage to Shelley (Natalie Morales).

Aggie’s once-happy family life is destroyed, and she’s left with a severe case of writer’s block and an inability to cope. She’s become a bit of a recluse, but inspiration for a new book soon finds her when psychopathic real estate mogul Nile Jarvis (Rhys) and his wife move into the house next door.

Rhys, who portrayed Russian spy Philip Jennings in the award-winning FX series The Americans, was perfectly cast as Nile, who is suspected of murdering his first wife.

Nile is now married to Nina, played by Snow (The Hunting Wives), whose life may or may not be in danger. Nile and Aggie have both receded from public life and are struggling with isolation. They soon discover an unexpected bond.

In an interview days before the November 13 premiere of the highly anticipated eight-episode thriller, Rhys and Danes discussed the toxic pull between their troubled characters and why they’re so drawn to one another.

“They’re both wicked smart, and I don’t think that they find many people who can keep up with them. And so they discovered that in each other. They are also both hyperperceptive. They’re a formidable, equal pairing, and it takes them both by surprise. And I think they’re also in a lot of pain. They’re quite isolated, and that pain is eased in each other’s company somehow, again, in ways that they weren’t anticipating,” explained Danes, who also served as executive producer, of the multi-layered dynamic between these two characters, adding, “It was endlessly fun to play with. I don’t find that very often, and I don’t get to play that very often.”

Rhys concurred with Danes, adding that they recognized themselves in the other. “They’ve both faced trauma and a certain kind of expulsion from society in a way that they have become quite isolated. I think they begin with several circumstances that are heavily relatable, and I think that’s always a good start, especially if those circumstances are quite extreme, which they are for the two of them. With two people who have been through so much, there’s very little to lose. That, in turn, unlocks this unexpected relationship. They’re challenged and excited and turned on in a non sexual way. This was certainly something I haven’t seen before, so it was a joy to do.”

Howard Gordon, who served as showrunner, writer, and executive producer, spoke in a separate interview about this dangerous relationship. Known for his work on brilliantly complex series, including Homeland, 24, and The X-Files, Gordon knows how to bring the drama.

“When you talk about who these people are to each other at the root, they’re two very lonely people, but two incredibly talented people, and uniquely so. They recognize the level of excellence, which has a punishing quality to the people around them. They’re isolated, and they find each other,” explained Gordon, adding, “But they’re using each other at the same time. There’s a transactional aspect to every relationship.”

The Beast in Me comes from a team of experts in the thriller genre, including creator, writer, and executive producer Gabe Rotter (The X-Files), and executive producer Antonio Campos (The Staircase), who directed all eight episodes.

Executive producers also include Daniel Pearle (American Crime Story), Conan O’Brien, Jeff Ross and David Kissinger for Conaco, Caroline Baron (Severance), and Jodie Foster.

Aggie and Nile’s relationship could never have ended well; a bond ignited by deceit will always explode. It wasn’t a friendship, but more of a means for survival. Gordon stands by one thing: “What they had was a real connection. There is no betrayal without love.”