With whodunits making a grand comeback, Netflix enlisted Shondaland for help with the streamer’s latest entry into the genre, andThe Residencesurely doesn’t disappoint with its thrills, surprises, and impeccable comedic timing. The murder mystery series, created by Paul William Davies (a formerScandalwriter),follows the investigation into the murder of the White House’s chief usher.Only the best detective in the world can uncover what really happened the night of his death — Cordelia Cupp,played by the remarkable Uzo Aduba.
The Residencebegins the night of a state dinner at the White House. Around 200 guests, including an off-screen Hugh Jackman and an onscreen Kylie Minogue, dine and mingle in the President of the United States' home. Meanwhile, the staff tends to their every need and everything that goes wrong (and a lot goes wrong). Unfortunately, towards the end of the evening, Chief Usher A. B. Wynter is found dead, resulting in a tense investigation thatunravels many intriguing and shocking secrets regarding the operations of the White House and the relationships between those who run it.
Netflix’s New Whodunit Is A Delight From Beginning To End
The Residence Contains All The Trademarks Of A Classic Murder Mystery But Still Carves Its Own Path
Without giving away too much,Shonda Rhimes' Netflix murder mysteryThe Residenceis an intense, captivating, and delightful ride from its opening moments to its closing scene.The series embraces all the traits of classic whodunit stories— a detective who knows they’re the smartest person in the room, a web of lies spun by almost every suspect, authority figures who want to brush the case under the rug, scandal, red herrings, a compelling setting, and, of course, the pressing question of the killer’s identity. However,The Residencestill manages to stand out from the crowd.
The Residenceis unique, mostly thanks to Uzo Aduba’s Detective Cordelia Cupp.Some might compare her to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot orKnives Out’s Benoit Blanc, but Cordelia paves her own way in the whodunit genre. Yes, she’s a stubborn, confident lone wolf who doesn’t answer to anyone (except maybe Chief of Police Larry Dokes). However, Cordelia never jumps to conclusions, is overly patient, and is a passionate birder. Everything we need to know about Aduba’s character can be learned in episode 4 when she explains to her nephew why she is the way she is.
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Aside from Cordelia, though,The Residenceis a success because of its ability to pull us in.And that’s exactly what whodunits are supposed to do — entertain but also make sense. The Netflix series can sometimes get confusing and overwhelming with all the suspects, clues, and possible scenarios. Nevertheless, everything has a purpose. Every look shared between characters, all the observations Cordelia makes, and everything that anyone does throughout the eight episodes ends up mattering by the time the story’s climax and resolution rolls around.
Uzo Aduba Is A Star (But The Cast As A Whole Elevates The Residence)
The Netflix Series Features Numerous Outstanding Performances
Aduba’s Detective Cordelia Cupp is a particular standout in the show. However, the entirecast ofThe Residencegives it their all, resulting in multiple memorable characters who all elevate the series.Giancarlo Esposito is, unsurprisingly, spectacular as the stoic, controversial murder victim,A. B. Wynter. Randall Park’s FBI special agent serves as a great foil to Cordelia. Susan Kelechi Watson’s Jasmine Haney seamlessly fills in all the blanks concerning the White House staff’s dynamics without falling into the dangerous exposition zone. Ken Marino fully embraces a character we can root against.
Paul Fitzgerald
President Perry Morgan
As for some of the other less focused-on characters,Edwina Findley’s Shelia Cannon (the alcoholic butler) steals the show with her physical comedy and amusing personality.Jason Lee manages to make his character, Tripp Morgan (the President’s screw-up brother), someone we can dislike one moment and then sympathize with the next. Jane Curtin is fantastic as the President’s mother-in-law, who can’t stand him.
I could honestly discuss the positive qualities of each character in the massive cast ofThe Residence, but we’d be here all day.
Perhapsthe biggest surprise is Dan Perrault’s Colin Trask (the Head of the Presidential Detail for the Secret Service), as he’s possibly the funniest character in the series.I could honestly discuss the positive qualities of each character in the massive cast ofThe Residence, but we’d be here all day.
The Residence’s Editing Must Be Celebrated
The Show’s Quick Cuts, Fast-Paced Nature & Visuals Separate It From The Crowd
In addition to the fascinating story and impressive cast,The Residence’s editing sets the show apart from the countless number of whodunits.From snappy cuts and various flashbacks to earlier moments, to each episode’s opening credits that include a picture with multiple clues, the editing is the real star here. Editing can typically be the unsung part of a movie or series. However, I would be remiss not to praiseThe Residencefor wisely taking advantage of the post-production process to tell its narrative in an entertaining, unique manner.
The Residence
Based on the novel by Kate Andersen Brower, The Residence is a drama-mystery series created by Paul William Davies. The series follows a detective named Cordelia Cupp, who is brought in to solve a strange murder that occurs during a White House state dinner, causing the staff to begin to question one another as to who could have committed the crime.
