I just finished the limited series, ‘Malice’, and I Need to Talk About THIS Villain…

My wife and I just binged the series ‘Malice,’ and I can’t get it out of my head. If you are looking for a thriller that will genuinely get under your skin and have you shouting at the TV, this is the one.

I have to start with the antagonist. It has been years, truly years, since I’ve encountered a character so utterly and irredeemably despicable. The disdain for him was legendary in our household by the final episode. It is a testament to incredibly effective writing and a phenomenal performance that a character can elicit such a strong, visceral, and universal hatred. He is the crawling, smiling embodiment of evil, and you will loathe him with every fiber of your being.

And all of this darkness unfolds against the most breathtaking backdrop imaginable. The Grecian countryside is a star of the show in its own right, absolutely amazing. The stunning villa the main characters own is the picture of idyllic paradise, which creates a powerful and unsettling contrast with the psychological horror taking place within its beautiful walls, and within their not so palacious London home.

Now, for the story to work, you do have to suspend a little disbelief on a couple of key points. My biggest critique is the complete lack of security cameras. A man of the protagonist’s wealth and status would have undoubtedly had that gorgeous property covered, both of them, which would have ended the villain’s reign much, much sooner. You also have to accept that he wouldn’t perform a thorough background check on the ‘Manny’ before entrusting his entire family to him, even with a recommendation from friends.

But honestly? The story is so compelling and the central conflict is so gripping that you’re willing to forgive these plot holes and go along for the ride.

Verdict: Despite a few logic gaps, ‘Malice’ is a fantastic, beautifully shot psychological thriller. It’s worth watching for the scenery alone, but you’ll stay for the masterclass in villainy that will have you talking long after the credits roll. Highly recommended.

Has anyone else seen it? Did you despise the ‘Manny’ as much as we did? Let me know in the comments!