In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the streaming world, Prime Video has unleashed its latest original series, Malice, a six-episode psychological thriller that’s got everyone buzzing. Dropping all episodes at once for that irresistible binge-watch experience, this sun-drenched yet chilling tale of affluent dysfunction is drawing immediate comparisons to HBO’s smash hit The White Lotus. With a stellar cast led by comedian-turned-dramatic powerhouse Jack Whitehall and the ever-enigmatic David Duchovny, Malice weaves a web of wealth, deception, and vengeance that’s leaving viewers gasping for air. If you’re a fan of luxurious settings masking dark undercurrents, this is your next obsession.
Set against the idyllic backdrops of London and the Greek island of Paros, Malice explores the fragile facade of privilege and the devastating consequences when secrets from the past come clawing back. Created and written by James Wood—known for his sharp wit in shows like Rev—the series masterfully blends suspense, satire, and social commentary. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a dissection of family dynamics under pressure, where every smile hides a potential stab in the back. Early viewers are raving about its addictive pacing, calling it a perfect blend of The White Lotus‘s satirical take on the elite with the mind-bending twists of The Talented Mr. Ripley.
At the heart of Malice is Adam Healey, played with chilling charisma by Jack Whitehall. Adam is a seemingly affable young tutor who insinuates himself into the lives of the wealthy Tanner family during their luxurious Greek holiday. What starts as a chance encounter quickly spirals into something far more sinister. When the family’s nanny suddenly falls ill under mysterious circumstances, Adam steps in as a “manny”—a male nanny—earning the trust of the Tanners and embedding himself in their opulent London home. But Adam’s motives are anything but pure; he’s driven by a deep-seated grudge against patriarch Jamie Tanner (David Duchovny), and his plan is to dismantle the family from within.
Duchovny, channeling his iconic brooding intensity from The X-Files and Californication, portrays Jamie as a successful but flawed businessman whose world begins to crumble as paranoia sets in. His wife, Nat Tanner, brought to life by the formidable Carice van Houten (Game of Thrones), is a sharp, ambitious woman caught in the crossfire. The chemistry between Duchovny and van Houten crackles with tension, their marriage a powder keg of unspoken resentments and hidden affairs. As Adam manipulates the couple, turning them against each other with subtle whispers and calculated revelations, the series delves into themes of betrayal and revenge that feel all too real in today’s world of social media facades and fractured relationships.
Supporting the leads is a talented ensemble that adds layers to the Tanner family’s orbit. The three Tanner children—played by Harry Gilby, Teddie Allen, and Phoenix Laroche—bring youthful innocence and vulnerability to the mix, making Adam’s infiltration all the more disturbing. Christine Adams shines as Nat’s best friend Jules, a no-nonsense confidante who starts to suspect something’s amiss, while Raza Jaffrey as her husband Damien provides comic relief amid the mounting dread. Newcomers Rianna Kellman and Jade Khan round out the cast as Jules and Damien’s daughters, injecting fresh energy into scenes of family gatherings that turn from idyllic to ominous.
What sets Malice apart is its stunning visual style, courtesy of directors Mike Barker and Leonora Lonsdale. The series was filmed over 18 weeks, starting in the crisp chill of London’s February and wrapping in the sweltering 37-degree heat of Paros. This contrast is mirrored in the narrative: the sun-soaked Greek villas with their azure seas and white-washed walls give way to the shadowy, rain-slicked streets of London, symbolizing the shift from paradise to peril. Cinematography captures the opulence—the sprawling estates, gourmet feasts, and designer wardrobes—while subtly highlighting the isolation and emptiness beneath. It’s this aesthetic that has critics dubbing it “The Next White Lotus.” Like Mike White’s anthology series, Malice uses exotic locales to satirize the absurdities of the ultra-rich, but it amps up the thriller elements with pulse-pounding suspense.
The production team, including executive producers Tim Hincks from Expectation Entertainment and Imogen Cooper alongside Wood from Tailspin Films, has crafted a story that’s as timely as it is timeless. In an era where wealth inequality is a hot-button issue, Malice doesn’t shy away from critiquing the entitlement of the elite. Adam’s revenge plot stems from a class divide, his working-class background clashing with the Tanners’ inherited fortunes. Yet, the series avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead letting the characters’ flaws drive the drama. Whitehall, in particular, delivers a career-defining performance, shedding his comedic persona for a role that’s equal parts charming and terrifying. “I’ve never played someone so layered,” Whitehall shared in a recent interview. “Adam’s malice is born from pain, and exploring that was exhilarating.”
As for Duchovny, his Jamie is a man grappling with his own demons—past mistakes that Adam exploits mercilessly. Van Houten’s Nat is no damsel; she’s a force to be reckoned with, her arc revealing strengths and vulnerabilities that make her the emotional core of the series. The children’s performances are heartbreaking, especially as they become pawns in Adam’s game, highlighting the collateral damage of adult vendettas.
Since its drop, social media has exploded with reactions. Viewers are praising the binge-worthy format, with many finishing all six episodes in one sitting. “Just finished Malice and I’m shook—those twists had me yelling at the screen!” one fan tweeted. Another called it “White Lotus meets Parasite, but with British wit.” The series’ exploration of mental health, manipulation, and the blurred lines between victim and villain has sparked discussions online, with forums dissecting every clue and red herring. Episode 4, in particular, features a jaw-dropping revelation that changes everything, leading to memes and theories galore.
But Malice isn’t without its edge-of-your-seat moments. Without spoiling too much, the finale delivers a payoff that’s both satisfying and haunting, leaving room for interpretation. Is revenge ever justified? Can a family recover from such betrayal? These questions linger long after the credits roll, much like the aftertaste of a fine wine turned poison.
If there’s any criticism, it’s that the series packs so much into six episodes that some subplots feel rushed. The friendship between Nat and Jules could have been fleshed out more, and a few twists border on the implausible. However, these minor quibbles are overshadowed by the overall craftsmanship. The soundtrack, blending eerie ambient scores with upbeat Greek folk tunes, heightens the dissonance, while the writing keeps dialogue snappy and revealing.
Prime Video’s decision to release Malice now couldn’t be timelier. With the streaming wars heating up, this UK original stands out as a must-watch, proving that British thrillers can rival their American counterparts. Tara Erer, Head of Originals for UK and Northern Europe at Amazon MGM Studios, summed it up perfectly: “The twists and turns will have our customers on the edge of their seats.” And she’s right—Malice is a breathless ride that exposes the rot beneath the glamour.
For those who devoured The White Lotus for its biting satire and ensemble drama, Malice offers a similar escape with higher stakes. It’s a story of how far one man will go for payback, set in a world where money can’t buy loyalty. Whether you’re lounging on your couch or dreaming of Greek shores, this series will pull you in and refuse to let go. Stream it now on Prime Video, but beware: once you start, you won’t stop until the bitter end.
In the end, Malice reminds us that the most dangerous threats often come disguised as friends. With its stellar cast, gorgeous locations, and razor-sharp script, it’s not just a thriller—it’s a cultural moment. Don’t miss out on what could be the breakout hit of the year.
