Behind Her Eyes

Netflix’s new psychological thriller series Behind Her Eyes – based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough – follows Louise, a divorced single mother who has lost all confidence in men and dating. After a friend stands her up at a bar, she meets the dashing, Scottish David. The two share drinks, exchange flirtations and then – right before he runs into the night apologising – a kiss. Much to Louise’s horror, the next day at work she realises her love interest is the new psychiatrist starting and that she’ll be his personal secretary. Adding to Louise’s shock, he is married to the beautiful Adele. 

If that doesn’t sound challenging enough, the domestic life of the couple is all the more confusing. Adele – who is shown in flashbacks at a mental facility – appears to be the perfect, subservient and partially catatonic, Stepford wife to a dismissive husband who refuses to return her multiple I love you’s. They have sex facing away from each other and David calls the landline throughout the day to make sure his partner is at home, somewhat like a caged animal. However, it is yet to be seen whether David is afraid of what can happen to her, or rather of what she can inflict on herself or others. Things become more entangled when the lonely Adele forcefully – and secretly – befriends Louise. 

This series has all of the drama and intensity that one could ask for during a dull February in lockdown. Just the first two episodes excite the viewer enough to yearn for more. The seemingly suburban soap opera plot of a love triangle is injected with darker tropes as Louise suffers violent night terrors and Adele constantly appears to be on the edge of a mental breakdown. David is a man of two personalities – one charming and dashing, the other temperamental and controlling. His new secretary mostly sees the former, and the latter, his wife is subjected to. 

It is difficult to call anything Netflix releases “original”. Since the world found out that Stranger Things was a product of an algorithm, many have lost faith in the artistic integrity of the streaming service. However, their series and films have proven immensely entertaining. Behind Her Eyes is no different. There is something for everyone: sex, deceit, madness and gorgeous actors who seem far too young to be playing characters who are dealing with the difficulties that they are faced with. The programme is an exciting, erotic thriller that will successfully distract its audience from the news and gloomy weather. 

Emma Kiely

Behind Her Eyes is released on Netflix on 17^th February 2021.

Watch the trailer for Behind Her Eyes here: