In a year already packed with high-stakes dramas and twisty mysteries, Prime Video has unleashed a six-part psychological thriller that’s rapidly climbing the ranks as one of the most addictive series of 2025. The Girlfriend, which dropped all episodes on September 10, has exploded across social media and streaming charts, with viewers confessing to marathon sessions that left them bleary-eyed and utterly sleepless. Adapted from Michelle Frances’ bestselling novel, this taut miniseries delivers a masterclass in manipulation, suspicion, and family dysfunction, anchored by powerhouse performances from Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke that have critics and audiences raving.
At the heart of The Girlfriend is Laura Sanderson, a glamorous and accomplished London art dealer whose life appears flawless on the surface. Played by Robin Wright – who also directs several episodes – Laura enjoys a successful career, a luxurious home, and a close (perhaps too close) bond with her adult son, Daniel, a dedicated physician portrayed by Laurie Davidson. Her husband, Howard (Waleed Zuaiter), provides stability and wealth, completing the picture of upper-class perfection. But when Daniel introduces his new girlfriend, Cherry Laine (Olivia Cooke), cracks begin to form in Laura’s idyllic world.
Cherry, a charismatic real estate agent from more modest roots, seems charming at first. Yet Laura’s instincts scream warning bells. Is Cherry genuinely in love with Daniel, or is she a calculating opportunist eyeing the family’s fortune? As Laura’s suspicions deepen, she embarks on a covert investigation, uncovering hints of deception that fuel her growing paranoia. The series cleverly structures its narrative with shifting perspectives – episodes toggle between Laura’s and Cherry’s viewpoints, replaying key scenes through each woman’s lens. This Rashomon-style approach forces viewers to constantly reassess alliances: one moment you’re sympathizing with Laura’s protective maternal instincts, the next you’re questioning if her actions stem from overbearing control or genuine threat.
What starts as subtle passive-aggression – a pointed comment at dinner, a lingering glance – escalates into full-blown psychological warfare. The tension builds relentlessly, pulling in family secrets, past traumas, and shocking revelations that blur the lines between victim and villain. Without giving away spoilers, the series plunges into territory involving betrayal, obsession, and desperate measures, culminating in events that leave characters (and viewers) reeling. It’s the kind of storytelling that thrives on ambiguity, making you second-guess every motive and memory.
Robin Wright is mesmerizing as Laura, channeling a steely elegance laced with vulnerability and quiet menace. Fresh off roles in House of Cards and films like Damsel, Wright brings depth to a character who could easily veer into caricature. Her direction adds a polished, intimate feel, heightening the claustrophobic atmosphere of suspicion. Opposite her, Olivia Cooke delivers a tour-de-force as Cherry, enigmatic and magnetic, keeping audiences guessing about her true intentions. Known for her nuanced work in House of the Dragon and Sound of Metal, Cooke infuses Cherry with layers of charm, fragility, and potential danger, creating electric confrontations with Wright.
The supporting cast elevates the drama further. Laurie Davidson captures Daniel’s naivety and conflicted loyalty, caught between the two most important women in his life. Waleed Zuaiter provides grounded nuance as Howard, while actors like Tanya Moodie, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Anna Chancellor, and Leo Suter flesh out the web of relationships with compelling subplots involving old flames, affairs, and hidden agendas.
Filmed in lush London locales and sun-drenched Spanish coastal spots (standing in for family vacations), the series looks as sleek as its characters’ lifestyles. The production design contrasts opulent homes and galleries with more grounded settings, underscoring class tensions that simmer beneath the surface. Directors Robin Wright and Andrea Harkin maintain a propulsive pace across the compact six episodes, blending slow-burn unease with sudden, jaw-dropping escalations. The writing, adapted by Gabbie Asher and Naomi Sheldon with contributions from a talented team, embraces soapy excess while grounding it in relatable themes of grief, control, and ambition.
Critics have largely embraced The Girlfriend for its unapologetic nastiness and stellar leads. It’s drawn comparisons to domestic thrillers like Big Little Lies or The Undoing, but with a sharper focus on maternal obsession and unreliable narration. Audiences, meanwhile, can’t stop talking about it – reports of all-night binges are commonplace, with many declaring it the standout thriller of the year. The show’s exploration of how far people will go to protect (or possess) loved ones resonates deeply, sparking debates about who the real antagonist is.
In an era of endless content, The Girlfriend stands out for its brevity and intensity. At just six hours, it’s perfectly engineered for a single-sitting devour, yet lingers long after with its moral gray areas and lingering questions. Themes of class divide, toxic parenthood, and the destructive power of doubt feel timely, delivered with style and bite.
If you’re seeking a series that combines glamorous settings with nerve-shredding suspense, look no further. Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke’s riveting duel is reason enough to dive in, but the twists, moral ambiguity, and sheer addictiveness make The Girlfriend unmissable. Press play if you dare – just don’t blame us if you emerge hours later, wide awake and utterly hooked. This is the psychological ride that’s defining thrillers in 2025.
