Why 'Malice' is the must-watch psychological thriller this festive season

If you are looking to escape into an enthralling mystery this festive season, look no further than “Malice”, the brand-new Amazon Prime series that is already generating plenty of buzz.

With its star-studded cast and enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end - including a seriously jaw-dropping finale - the six-episode British psychological thriller is well worth watching

And while stories about a man plotting vengeance on a wealthy family in a bid to bring some sort of street justice are often played out, this production does more than simply add to the genre - it masters it with its clever structure, compelling character arcs and unique storytelling.

“Malice” unfolds with a confidence rarely seen in new thrillers, gradually tightening the screws until you reach a climax that feels both inevitable and shocking.

Drawing parallels with “The White Lotus” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, the series places class conflict, privilege and complicated family dynamics in the spotlight - themes viewers from all walks of life will be able to relate to.

It also taps into the uncomfortable truth that wealth can shield people from accountability and that those who appear to “have it all” often have the deepest, darkest secrets.

Created by James Wood and directed by Wood alongside Mike Barker and Leonora Lonsdale, the first few scenes transport viewers to idyllic Paros, Greece.

Here, the Tanners, a wealthy British family, are vacationing at their holiday home located on the shores of the central Aegean Sea. Sun-drenched and postcard-perfect, the setting becomes an ironic backdrop for the emotional storms that follow.

Business mogul Jamie (David Duchovny) spends his days unwinding with his wife, Nat (Carice van Houten), a fashion entrepreneur, as well as their three children, Jodie (Phoenix Laroche), Kit (Harry Gilby) and Iris (Marina Argyropoulou). On this trip, the Tanners have invited their close friends: Nat’s bestie Jules (Christine Adams), her husband Damien (Raza Jaffrey), and their kids.

But as is often the norm among wealthy families, Jules decides to bring along her children’s tutor, Adam (Jack Whitehall), to help keep the kids occupied during the holiday.

At first, Adam appears charismatic, enthusiastic and harmless. He bonds easily with the Tanners and the rest of the group, slipping effortlessly into their conversations and routines.

While mysterious, he charms his way into Jamie, Nat and their kids’ lives - even after they return to London. Eventually, Adam manages to fully infiltrate their world, becoming the family’s manny and even moving into their home.

Soon, he begins spending personal time with both Jamie and Nat, slowly weaving himself into the fabric of their daily lives.

At first, Jules and Damien, though somewhat annoyed at Adam leaving their family in the lurch, accept it. After all, the Tanners sit higher on the elite hierarchy, and the couple tries not to dwell on being “out-ranked”.

But following a series of increasingly shady events, they begin to believe that something is seriously off about Adam.

Their suspicions push them to dig into his past, and what they uncover sends ripples through both families. In some fascinating mental chess, they start to suspect darker ulterior motives, turning Adam’s presence into a catalyst for tension and paranoia.

What they discover shakes up everyone’s lives as dark family secrets, manipulation and long-buried truths begin to unravel. The reason behind Adam’s obsession with the Tanners slowly comes to light, and the revelations are as disturbing as they are riveting.

“Malice” might follow some of the expected formulas for a good thriller mystery, combining core elements of both genres to create a gripping, suspenseful experience - but it elevates them with intention.

It takes things further with its slow, deliberate pacing, building tension across its six 50-minute episodes while giving the storyline room to breathe and allowing viewers to form a connection with the characters.

The plot is also unpredictable, taking viewers on a wild ride as the fates of the characters are decided by their own unsavoury deeds. And speaking of the cast: every lead star delivers a poignant, powerful performance.

The tense dynamic between Adam and Jamie is especially compelling, while van Houten’s portrayal of Nat - a complicated yet resilient woman - stands out. The depiction of her marriage is one of the show’s most gripping elements, revealing hidden secrets that will leave you stunned.

Beyond being hooked on the story and frantically following the characters, “Malice” will also leave you with a mystery to solve - and in the most pulsating, entertaining way.

* I give it a four out of five stars.