The Undoing

The Undoing (2020): A Psychological Thriller Wrapped in Privilege, Suspense, and Betrayal

The Undoing is a six-part HBO miniseries created by David E. Kelley and directed by Susanne Bier, based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel You Should Have Known. It debuted in October 2020 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, emerging as HBO’s most-watched series of the year with over 12 million viewers—outshining even Big Little Lies in consistent weekly audience growth.

Set in the affluent Upper East Side of Manhattan, the series centers on Grace Fraser (Nicole Kidman), a successful therapist whose seemingly perfect life unravels after a shocking murder. At a lavish school fundraiser she co-hosts, Elena Alves (Matilda De Angelis), a scholarship mother with an enigmatic presence, unexpectedly appears—and the next day is found brutally murdered. From that moment, Grace’s husband, Jonathan Fraser (Hugh Grant), a renowned pediatric oncologist, disappears and quickly becomes the prime suspect.

What sets The Undoing apart is its aesthetic sheen and focus on psychological tension over procedural complexity. The miniseries revels in its luxurious settings—marble-filled townhouses, designer wardrobes, and elite social circles—while slowly revealing the fracture lines beneath the polished facade. It employs suspenseful rhythms, courtroom drama, and Hugh Grant’s charm-turned-menace to keep viewers guessing about Jonathan's guilt until the final episode—an ending that is deliberate rather than twist-driven, underscoring the series' exploration of deception and self-delusion.

Nicole Kidman delivers a compelling performance, portraying a woman caught between self-assurance and self-doubt as her world crumbles. Hugh Grant also turns in one of his most intense roles, fully embracing the darker aspects of Jonathan with a smooth yet menacing presence. The supporting cast shines as well: Donald Sutherland plays Grace’s imperious father, whose wealth and influence cast long shadows; Lily Rabe brings sharp emotional support as Grace's lawyer friend; and Edgar Ramírez similarly impresses as Detective Mendoza, one of the sharpest investigators on screen.

Critics were divided. Many praised the high production values, the leads' magnetic performances, and the series’ ability to build tension through implication rather than spectacle. Outlets like The Guardian described it as "a supremely gripping marriage thriller" driven by Kidman and Grant’s chemistry. However, others noted slower pacing, thin supporting characters, and an ending that felt predictable rather than revelatory—some calling it more style than substance. Reddit conversations pointed to visual stylization that occasionally felt overdone and courtroom scenes that traded realism for melodrama.

Despite mixed reviews, the series' impact is undeniable. It sparked widespread conversation about privilege, trust, and the hidden fragility of elite lives. Its box-office dominance—a rare feat for a cable miniseries—underlined its cultural resonance. Awards recognition followed: Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland earned Critics’ Choice nominations, and the series earned nods from the Golden Globes and SAG Awards.

Ultimately, The Undoing works best as a psychological study set within a world of affluence and denial. It’s a suspenseful character drama that trades high-octane twists for slow-burning revelations. While not as narratively rich as some prestige TV of its time, the series proves you don’t need plot complexity when you have stellar performances, luxurious production, and raw emotional stakes woven into a tale of trust betrayed. Whether the final reveal satisfies all viewers or falls short, The Undoing remains a fascinating portrait of how tightly curated lives can unravel with one devastating blow.