I'm the kind of viewer who's completely hooked on suspense: if the plot promises twists and turns, I'm already settling in with popcorn, anxiety, and sky-high expectations. That's exactly how I started watching The Better Sister, Prime Video's new series starring the incredibly talented Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. And, to be honest, it kicked off great! Two sisters, a shocking murder, explosive family secrets—everything a hardcore mystery fan could want. But soon enough, the series turns into a roller coaster that's thrilling at first but ultimately leaves you dizzy and frustrated.
Jessica Biel portrays Chloe Taylor, a famous editor whose seemingly perfect life collapses after finding her husband dead at home. Elizabeth Banks is Nicky, the troubled and distant sister who reenters Chloe's life just as everything descends into chaos. With these ingredients, how could I not get excited? The problem is, it quickly becomes clear that the series doesn't know how to fully leverage its potential.
Jessica and Elizabeth deliver solid and highly convincing performances, creating intense and complex characters who initially captivate us. Chloe's polished perfection contrasts brilliantly with Nicky’s impulsiveness and emotional chaos. But not even the potent chemistry between these two stars can rescue the confusing and uneven script.
The tone jumps erratically from serious drama to oddly placed humor without warning, killing the suspense. At times, the series awkwardly tries to inject humor into completely inappropriate situations, undermining the dramatic weight necessary for a thriller. These abrupt shifts don’t work well and end up creating more discomfort than genuine interest from viewers.
Worse yet, the story drags on more than grandma’s knitting yarn, attempting countless plot twists that eventually become tiresome and confusing. Each episode unnecessarily extends mysteries that could have been resolved much more quickly and effectively, transforming what should have been an exciting thriller into a tedious marathon. Even the flashbacks used to explain the sisters' past become excessive and disruptive, constantly interrupting the narrative flow.
One of the most frustrating aspects is realizing there was ample room to deepen family dynamics, thoroughly explore internal conflicts, and delve into the protagonists’ traumas. Unfortunately, the production chose to indulge in narrative exaggerations and dull subplots, neglecting precisely what could have elevated the series.
Conclusion? Some stories are simply better suited for the pages. Perhaps the emotional and psychological depth works better in book form, where readers can absorb details at their own pace. On-screen, however, The Better Sister disappoints by failing to decide whether it wants to be a serious thriller or a drama sprinkled with humor. As a mystery lover, I expected much more. Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks deserved a series worthy of their undeniable talent, and we viewers deserved a thriller that would keep us glued to our seats until the very end.
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