The production of “The Perfect Couple” nearly encountered a revolt when director Susanne Bier pushed for an unexpected opening sequence featuring a flashmob-style dance routine. This Netflix murder mystery, based on Elin Hildebrand’s novel, follows a police investigation into the elite Winbury family after a dead body is found at a wedding, unearthing numerous concealed secrets.
In stark contrast to the show’s darker themes, Bier envisioned an energetic start where the cast—including Nicole Kidman, Dakota Fanning, and Liev Schreiber—would perform a choreographed dance on the beach to Meghan Trainor’s track “Criminals,” all dressed in formal attire. Bier explained to Variety before the film’s Los Angeles premiere, “I wanted to infuse the beginning with a sense of fun and vitality, making it clear to viewers that the show would be enjoyable. This era felt rather bleak, and I aimed to introduce a burst of joy and showcase the characters having a good time.”
The cast, however, was less enthusiastic about this idea, leading to the creation of a WhatsApp group to protest. Meghann Fahy, who plays Merritt, expressed her unease at the premiere, saying, “There was a lot of resistance in that group. We didn’t see the necessity of this dance.” Fahy, who struggles with choreography, felt particularly anxious.
Ishaan Khattar, who plays best man Scooter, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Despite being a dancer, I found it challenging to understand how this routine fit with our characters. It seemed out of place and not part of our original plan.” Producers also worried about the limited time available, with Charm La’Donna’s choreography being completed in just over an hour instead of the usual two-day schedule.
Nicole Kidman, who was initially doubtful about her character, Greer, participating in the dance, eventually joined in and appreciated the outcome. “I was skeptical and even joined the WhatsApp group questioning the decision. But in the end, I’m glad we did it,” she admitted. Schreiber, however, was eager and practiced diligently, expressing disappointment at not being featured more.
La’Donna, who also choreographs for Meghan Trainor, commended the cast’s adaptability and described the day as fun. She incorporated elements reminiscent of classic dance films and included symbolic gestures related to the murder mystery. “The pointing movements reflect the ambiguity and confusion surrounding the characters,” she explained.
Despite the initial pushback, the cast finally embraced the sequence, with Fahy noting, “By the end, we all found joy in the process. It turned out to be an unexpectedly delightful experience.”