“The Perfect Couple” Ending Explained In Detail, Who Killed Merritt in the Winbury Family?

The Perfect Couple Netflix Series Ending Explained
The Perfect Couple Netflix Series Ending Explained (2024)

The Perfect Couple is the latest series adapted from Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel. Directed by Susanne Bier, it falls within the mystery drama genre and spans six episodes, each lasting around 45-50 minutes. This series is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Cast and Characters

  • Nicole Kidman played Greer Garrison Winbury – She is the groom’s mother and a novelist.  
  • Liev Schreiber played Tag Winbury – He is the groom’s wealthy father.  
  • Eve Hewson played Amelia Sacks – She is the bride at the centre of a murder case.  
  • Billy Howle played Benji Winbury – He is the groom caught in the drama.  
  • Jack Reynor played Thomas Winbury – He is the groom’s secretive brother.  
  • Dakota Fanning played Abby Winbury – She is the groom’s troubled sister.

Plot Summary

The Perfect Couple is an exciting mystery drama set at a fancy wedding in Nantucket. Amelia Sacks is about to marry into the rich Winbury family, but her future mother-in-law, famous author Greer Garrison Winbury, doesn’t like her. Things take a dark turn when a body is found on the beach, turning the wedding into a crime scene. As the investigation unfolds, every guest is looked at closely, and hidden secrets and grudges come to light.

How will the hidden issues between Amelia and Greer, along with the groom’s brother’s secrets, affect the investigation and reveal who really committed the murder?

What Happens When Amelia Finds The Body On The Beach?

Amelia finds the body on the beach
Amelia finds the body on the beach

Amelia Sacks is about to marry Benji Winbury, but the celebration takes a grim turn when a body is discovered on the beach.

During a tense police interrogation, Roger Belton, the wedding planner, mentions he arrived just after six and always checks his venues first to ensure rentals are delivered. The officers, Henry and Dan Carter, are seen searching for evidence as everyone around is shocked, scared, and filled with emotion.

Amelia is the most affected, sitting on the table in the interrogation room, quivering and breathing heavily. The officers introduce themselves, but she barely acknowledges them. They question her about why she is wearing her wedding dress, considering the wedding was not supposed to start until later in the day. They also ask her about a cut on her foot.

We’re introduced to Roger Belton, and the police question him about his interactions with Amelia, revealing he mostly dealt with Greer Garrison Winbury. Meanwhile, various people are questioned in the interrogation room about their connections to the Winbury family and their lavish lifestyle. Some mention the family’s $40 million seaside cottage, while others talk about Greer’s gift-wrapping room and the family’s wealthy, extravagant habits.

The climax hits when Amelia discovers a guest’s lifeless body during a late-night beach walk. This shocking find turns the wedding into a crime scene, making everyone a suspect. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to uncover the truth behind the murder.

What Does Amelia Discover About Merritt and Tag?

Amelia's Discovery About Merritt and Tag
Amelia’s Discovery About Merritt and Tag

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In Episode 2 of The Perfect Couple, titled “She Would Never Do That,” a major turning point happens when Amelia finds a bracelet on Merritt’s wrist. This bracelet, which belongs to Amelia’s fiancé Tag, makes her suspicious right away. During the lively rehearsal dinner, Amelia confronts Merritt, demanding to know why she has Tag’s bracelet. Merritt, surprised and defensive at first, then admits to having an affair with Tag, leaving Amelia hurt and shocked.

The argument grows intense, with Amelia expressing her pain and anger. Fireworks in the background mirror the explosive confrontation. Amelia learns that Merritt is pregnant, which only adds to the emotional turmoil. The scene ends with Merritt in tears and walking away, while Amelia is left to deal with the impact of these startling truths. 

What Is Amelia Looking For When She Sneaks Into Tag’s Office?

The scene where Amelia sneaks into the TAG's office
The scene where Amelia sneaks into the TAG’s office

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Amelia sneaks into Tag’s office late at night, driven by her doubts and need to find out the truth. As she searches through his things, the quiet and tense atmosphere makes it feel even more suspenseful. When she leaves the office, she runs into Greer, who tells her she was startled. Greer then asks if Amelia is okay, noting that she seemed upset. Amelia says she was just thirsty and forgot her carafe by the bed. Greer questions if Amelia was looking for something else, warning her that she doesn’t want to see Amelia sneaking around. Greer tells Amelia to ask directly if she needs anything. Amelia nods and says she will.

What Does Merritt Learn About Tag’s True Feelings And Intentions During Their Conversation?

Merritt and Tag's conversation about pregnancy turns into arguments
Merritt and Tag’s conversation about pregnancy turns into arguments

In a quiet part of the Winbury estate, Merritt, clearly upset, tells Tag she needs to talk. She asks if they’re really committed to their affair and their relationship. Tag stands up, concerned, and asks if she’s okay. Merritt insists she needs him to be honest. Tag tells her he adores her and that what’s happening between them is beautiful but complicated by timing. Merritt is confused and asks for clarification. Tag explains there are some difficult issues to deal with, which might take time. Frustrated, Merritt demands to know how much time he means. Tag avoids answering directly and changes the subject to the beautiful night. Merritt tells him she’s not having a good night and asks if he wants her to abort the baby. Tag stammers and Merritt concludes that he does want her to end the pregnancy. She starts crying and walks away towards the river.

How Did Merritt Really Die, And Who Is Responsible For It?

Abby Winbury, Thomas’s wife, was responsible for Merritt’s death. Facing money problems and desperate to protect her family, Abby mixed crushed pills into Merritt’s juice. After Merritt drank the spiked juice, Abby dragged her to the water and drowned her by holding her head under the surface. The police come and arrest her. 

Is This Series Child-Friendly?

The Perfect Couple on Netflix has a TV-MA rating, which means it’s meant for adults. This is because of strong language and frequent alcohol and drug use. While the show doesn’t have a lot of explicit violence or sex, its themes are not appropriate for kids.

Does This Series Have A Happy Ending, A Sad Ending, Or An Open-Ended Conclusion?

The Perfect Couple ends on a bittersweet note with several important outcomes. Amelia finds out the truth about Merritt’s death and the hidden secrets in the Winbury family. She decides to move forward and focus on her own happiness. Tag deals with the fallout from his affair with Merritt and sees how it affects those around him. Greer tries to keep up the family’s image but has to face the truth about her family’s secrets. Abby, who turns out to be Merritt’s killer, acted out of financial desperation, adding a big twist to the ending. The show finishes with some answers but also leaves viewers wondering about what’s next for the characters and the impact of their choices.