His and Hers Tops Netflix’s Thriller Charts, But You Should Check Out This Must-Watch Show Instead
Netflix’s latest thriller, His & Hers, has rapidly climbed the streamer’s list of most popular shows.
Featuring Jon Bernthal and Tessa Thompson, the series follows Anna, portrayed by Thompson, a former news anchor who returns to her hometown to investigate a crime—coincidentally, her estranged husband, Detective Jack Harper (Bernthal), is also on the case.
While the intricate mystery is certainly binge-worthy, Watch With Us feels your time could be better invested in a slightly older but superior series.
HBO Max’s Sharp Objects is an engrossing thriller that shares a similar premise but is packed with more style and substance.
We’re here to share why Sharp Objects deserves your attention.
A Riveting Character Drama Meets a Gripping Mystery
Sharp Objects is based on Gillian Flynn’s debut novel and revolves around alcoholic crime reporter Camille Preaker (Amy Adams). Following her discharge from a psychiatric hospital after years of self-harm, Camille takes on a chilling case of two young girls murdered in her hometown. Returning to a place she longed to escape, she must confront her estranged, domineering mother, Adora (Patricia Clarkson), her stepfather Alan (Henry Czerny), and her much younger half-sister, the spirited Amma (Eliza Scanlen).
As Camille delves into the gruesome crime, her tumultuous relationship with Adora—a respected local socialite—starts to consume her, unearthing painful memories of her younger sister Marian’s (Lulu Wilson) tragic death. Sharp Objects is more than a compelling mystery; it intricately weaves a complex familial narrative fraught with deception, hidden trauma, and lurking secrets, elevating it to a psychological puzzle that emphasizes rich character exploration alongside its thrilling plot.
Amy Adams Delivers Her Most Outstanding Performance—It’s True
While some may disagree, it’s not overly bold to claim Sharp Objects showcases the finest performance of Adams’ career. As Camille, she embodies intensity, haunting vulnerability, and deep flaws while remaining relatable and genuine. The pain and trauma Camille endures are never romanticized; instead, Adams portrays her as tragically self-destructive yet captivating. She seamlessly merges the inquisitiveness of a seasoned reporter with the weariness of someone who has faced immense suffering, both internal and external.
Not only does Adams transform physically for the role—adopting a reserved posture, lowering her voice with an authentic Southern drawl, and consuming excess salt to appear consistently drained—her performance is imbued with profound nuance. Subtle shifts in her gaze and fleeting expressions reveal the complexity of a woman who has buried her pain deeply. Though nominated for a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe, Adams left empty-handed. We should have taken to the streets in protest.
Unique Visuals and Editing Style Set It Apart
Helmed by the late Jean-Marc Vallée (Big Little Lies), Sharp Objects transcends typical murder mystery series like His & Hers. Its visual aesthetic, stylistic choices, and haunting cinematography elevate the series into the realm of unforgettable television. Some critics have favorably compared Sharp Objects to True Detective, highlighting their dark, Southern Gothic ambiance and a palpable sense of tension.
Vallée crafted a distinct atmosphere where reality oscillates between dreams (or nightmares), skillfully blending timelines through flashbacks. The meticulous production design of the fictional town of Wind Gap, Missouri, enhances the show’s immersive qualities, creating an ever-present feeling of unease. Vallée’s unique visual language mirrors the protagonist’s state of mind, utilizing fragmented editing and mesmerizing cinematography. The result is a standout thriller of the last two decades and a poignant exploration of generational trauma.
