David Duchovny joins Prime Video’s ‘Malice’ in Lackluster ‘Ripley’ Role

In the Amazon Prime Video series “Malice,” the tension is strangely absent for a thriller. Right off the bat, we meet the charming Adam (played by Jack Whitehall) arriving at the luxurious vacation home of the Tanner family, giving off some shady vibes. The show kicks off with a glimpse of Adam being questioned by U.S. customs officials about the fate of Jamie (played by David Duchovny), the patriarch of the Tanner family, hinting at a dark outcome. Adam’s nonchalant response, calling Jamie “not a nice man,” sets the tone for the series. However, the lack of a resolution to this mystery teaser is just one example of how the show falls short in building suspense and a cohesive plot.

Creator and writer James Wood makes sure to hammer home the point that Adam is an untrustworthy character, using not-so-subtle visual cues that practically shout “red flag.” His introduction as a tutor to Jules (Christine Adams) and Damien’s (Raza Jaffrey) children during a weekend getaway shared by close friends is marked by a snake invading the Tanners’ pristine pool. The imagery is clear: Adam is trouble, but do the Tanners pick up on the warning signs?

Overall, “Malice” feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a gripping and suspenseful thriller. The lackluster execution and loose plot threads leave the viewer wanting more from this promising premise.