Netflix’s addictive new thriller series is becoming a streaming hit

The star-studded thriller is ranking high on the streaming charts.

From creator Gabe Rotter (The X-Files) and showrunner Howard Gordon (Homeland), the story centres around Aggie Wiggs (Clare Danes, Homeland), an acclaimed author struggling with writer's block after a personal tragedy.

Living in Oyster Bay, an idyllic town in Long Island in New York, Aggie is shocked to discover that Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys, The Americans), a formidable real estate mogul who was once the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance, has moved in next door.

While the pair initially clash, Nile offers himself to be the subject of Aggie's next book, with the intimidating neighbour hoping he can use the author to clear his name.

"At once horrified and fascinated by this man, Aggie finds herself compulsively hunting for the truth – chasing his demons while fleeing her own – in a game of cat and mouse that might turn deadly," the plot synopsis adds.

Also featuring within its cast Brittany Snow (Murdaugh: Death in the Family), Deirdre O'Connell (The Penguin), Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad) and Natalie Morales (No Hard Feelings), JOE has checked out the pilot for The Beast in Me and can't wait to watch more.

On top of boasting a great central mystery, Danes and Rhys' electric performances, their characters' sharply-written interactions, and the dread-inducing direction from Antonio Campos (The Devil All the Time) have us hooked and desperate to see how the story plays out.

Other critics felt the same, with The Beast in Me currently holding an impressive 84% Rotten Tomatoes score.

You can check out a sample of some of the glowing write-ups for the series below:

The Age (Australia): "The scenes shared by the two leads, Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, deliver an almighty charge. At every level, from emotional to atomic, the pair forge a phenomenal connection."

The Guardian: "Even without two astonishing performances from the lead actors, the script, the sheer style and confidence of it all, would be things of beauty. But add what that pair are doing, and this… thriller moves seamlessly into top-tier television."

San Jose Mercury News: "This is a cerebral thriller of the highest order, and that’s reflected in the writing, acting — Danes, Rhys and Snow are all deserving of accolades — and the direction."

The Times (UK): "It’s a classic thriller executed with such panache that at times you feel you’re in the middle of someone’s nervous breakdown. But you won’t want to look away for a second."

The Wrap: "In the broader landscape of crime thrillers, this original story is well-deserving of a furious binge with performances that will have you yelling 'Emmy!' at your television."

The Beast in Me was released on Netflix on 13 November. Nearly two weeks later, it is top of the streaming giant's list of the most-watched shows in Ireland today (Tuesday, 25 November).

For the past fortnight, it has also ranked within the top three spots of JustWatch's TV streaming charts for Ireland and the UK.

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