The Girl Before: Limited Series

  

Based on: The Girl Before novel by J.P. Delaney 

Created by: J.P. Delaney 

Written by: J.P. Delaney & Marissa Lestrade

Directed by: Lisa Brühlmann

Starring: Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Jane Cavendish), David Oyelowo (Edward), Jessica Plummer (Emma Matthews), Ben Hardy (Simon)

This was a fun, mysterious, and awkwardly short series.  

When four episodes dropped on the premiere date, I thought "Wow, that's a lot of eps to start with." And then I realized--that's all there was. The series dropped all at once. All four episodes. 

I read an article review saying it was a glorified, extra-long movie that could have just as easily fit into the standard 1.5-2 hour feature length instead of 4 hour-long episodes. The writer wasn't wrong, but I also didn't feel that the story was stretched out. 

The show takes place over two timelines that are depicted simultaneously, cutting between each one equally per episode. In present day, Jane views a stylish and very modern house up for rent. It's a shockingly minimalistic house and the offer presented by architect and designer is unique: very affordable rent in exchange for an equally minimalistic and rigid lifestyle, including no children and very few possessions. The other timeline is presented shortly after Jane accepts the house. She learns that three years prior, another woman, Emma, had accepted the same offer to live in the house--and died on its grounds. 

Emma and Simon view the house before they break up when Emma moves in

The mystery deepens as the architect, Edward, asks both Jane and Emma to be his girlfriend shortly after each lady moves into the house in their timeline. Each woman also slowly learns just how invasive this house can be as its automated systems dictate when they can shower and how long they brush their teeth. As the show goes on, Jane uncovers more uncomfortable truths about Edward and her parallel circumstances with Emma. Her relationship with Edward also becomes more uncomfortable as he reveals his controlling, manic tendencies. 

Emma and Edward share an evening at the house

In the end, I honestly thought there would be a bit more to the mystery. Although the reveals were exciting and the house was definitely the most compelling part, it was a bit less sadistic/psychopathic than I was hoping, and some of the coincidences turned out to be just that. But it was still a fun ride and I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller.