Malice

I genuinely cannot understand the negative reviews surrounding Malice, because for me this was a smart, gripping and consistently engaging mini-series from start to finish. In a television landscape filled with predictable plotlines and formulaic thrillers, Malice stands out as something much more refined: tense without being melodramatic, stylish without being pretentious, and character-driven without ever dragging. There was never a dull moment. Every episode carried just enough intrigue to pull you forward, yet never relied on cheap cliff-hangers or gimmicks.

The casting is a real strength. Every performer feels perfectly matched to their role, giving the characters a depth and complexity that make their shifting motivations genuinely compelling. Even the supporting cast are memorable, turning what could've been simple archetypes into multi-layered personalities. It reminded me tonally of March Point in the way it blends mystery with intimate character dynamics, but with the glossy, modern tension you'd expect from something like The White Lotus. At the same time, the psychological undertones and slightly sinister charm echo The Talented Mr Ripley-or in this case, Mr Riley-giving the story that addictive sense of "beautiful places hiding very ugly truths."

Visually, the series is stunning. The setting itself becomes a character, shaping the atmosphere and amplifying the unease. The pacing also deserves praise: it is tight, deliberate, and always purposeful. Not once did I feel the story meander or lose focus. If anything, it left me wanting more episodes, not fewer.

Ultimately, Malice succeeds because it respects its audience. It assumes you're paying attention, offers layered storytelling, and rewards you with twists that feel earned rather than forced. If you enjoy elevated thrillers-especially ones blending psychological tension, mysterious relationships, and a premium cinematic feel-then Malice is absolutely worth your time. Ignore the poor reviews; this is a highly engaging mini-series that delivers exactly what the genre promises.

MALICE, like THE WHITE LOTUS is built around beautiful locations with vapid, callous, irresponsible too too rich people. In today's world, this is less and less entertaining to me.

The acting is excellent with Jack Whitehall being the standout.

But, like most streaming shows, could have been told in 3-4 episodes. The tension wore thin about halfway there.

First off Jack Whitehall KILLS this show. His acting is TERRIBLE! If they used someone or ANYONE else it definitely would have been better. Well besides his acting. The show is just not believable. All these situations are not believable. He kills a person in broad daylight. With a neighbor seeing him and then taking a body again in broad daylight and puts it in the trunk of the car. Just RIDDICULOUS!! It needed better writing. But I would have started with a WAY BETTER ACTOR than Jack Whitehall he kills the show even more than the writers did!!! I mean who would be able to do the things he did and no one would notice. I know it's fiction but c'mon it's not even believable as fiction. Moving forward I know now I'll NEVER watch another show or movie with Jack Whitehall in it!!! He's just terrible!!

People have vivid imaginations. Yes, we saw a CGI of a cat, and fake snake, and a dog trained to lie still, and that was it.

I love animals. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals, but I can separate reality from movie fiction. I note those worrying about animals didn't mention the black girl being poisoned. Just saying.

As for the series, I liked it. Yes it was full of implausibilities and impossibilities but I judge on entertainment value and it entertained me no end. I wondered how long it would take the family to suss onto the fact that all was not well and whodunnit. :D Some hated the ending. I liked it. Isn't it tiresome, endings that are predictable?

I wanted to love "Malice." A vengeful tutor, a dysfunctional rich family, a sun-drenched Greek setting... what's not to like? Turns out, everything.

Jack Whitehall's Adam is less "chilling villain" and more "awkward dinner guest," his smirks undercut by a script that mistakes obviousness for suspense. David Duchovny's Jamie is the only one who seems to realize something's off, but even he can't salvage the slog.

The first three episodes are a masterclass in wasted potential: glacial pacing, laughable family dynamics, and a complete lack of tension. I bailed after Ep 3, but I would be shocked if the season ever recovers.

A cringefest. Skip it and rewatch The White Lotus or check out BBC's The Guest instead.