We all love our comfort shows, right? The shows that make us smile, and give us the warm and fuzzy feelings we need. But sometimes we crave those psychological thrillers that leave us on the edge of our seats and hankering for more. If you’re still riding the crime craze that the world is loving, but are after something that feels fresh and not drowned in cliche, I can safely say that the first season of Dead Ringers is going to be your new obsession.
A six-episode miniseries available to watch on Prime Video, Dead Ringers is thrilling, mystifying and ultimately a striking watch. But, before you dive in, let me take you through exactly why you’re going to love it.
It’s Rachel Weisz on Rachel Weisz Content
As the ancient proverb goes, “Two Rachel Weiszes are better than one.”
Rachel Weisz is easily one of the world’s most talented actresses, let’s be honest. We’re talking about someone who has a career jam-packed with iconic and memorable performances across pretty much every genre imaginable, whether it’s kicking ass, winning hearts or delivering stunning dramatic performances.
Dead Ringers S1 once again proves the undeniable versatility of Rachel Weisz. She plays twin gynaecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, who despite genetics and professions, could not be more opposite. Beverly is shy, timid, down on her luck and living with the trauma of several miscarriages. Elliot, however, is fierce, sexually liberated and… a wee bit unhinged. One thing leads to another and the twins become embroiled in scandal, building to a climax that will leave you gasping for air.
Playing two characters at once so convincingly you forget there’s one person behind both roles is a difficult task, but Rachel Weisz frankly makes it look easy.
It’s Adapted From What’s Considered One of the Best Canadian Films of All Time
The history of the story of Dead Ringers is a long one. This new series is adapted from David Cronenberg’s 1988 movie of the same name, which itself was adapted from a 1977 novel titled Twins. But that 1988 movie made a huuuge impact, to say the least. David Cronenberg is often considered the king of body horror, just in case you wanted a heads up to just how hectic Dead Ringers is. Cronenberg’s 1988 classic absolutely swept several different awards, and currently ranks at #7 on the Toronto International Film Festival’s Top 10 list of the Best Canadian Films of All Time.
Prime Video’s Dead Ringers pays homage to the original but makes crucial changes to help make the story fresh and unexpected — even for die-hard lovers of the original. Gender-swapping the roles opens up a whole new world of possibilities, and Rachel Weisz helps bring some of those exciting, and heartwrenching, possibilities to life.
Yes, It’s (Kinda) Based on a True Story
While we can’t say Dead Ringers S1 is a true crime in the traditional sense, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t draw inspiration from the truth. The aforementioned novel Twins draws elements from the biographies of real-life identical twin gynaecologists Stewart and Cyril Marcus. The siblings were found dead in their apartment at age 45 (don’t worry, not a spoiler!) and the circumstances around their passing are still shrouded in mystery. The apartment was allegedly strewn with filth, and the factors that led to their death have never been concrete.
Dead Ringers builds on that mystery and fills you with suspense over the course of six episodes, leaving you hanging as the tension builds between the twins and the world around them.
Let’s Be Honest — Who Doesn’t Love Creepy Twins?
Scary twins, or even just doppelgangers, have existed in horror since horror began. I mean, what would The Shining be without the Grady sisters? But Dead Ringers S1 takes this trope and fleshes it out. The Mantle twins don’t just exist as ominous or foreboding figures, or as mindless perpetrators of evil. Beverly and Elliot are both starkly different, and their unique bond intertwines them in each other’s actions.
It leaves you guessing, questioning which twin you can trust (if either of them) and makes the events of the season finale all the more explosive.
Catch all six episodes of Dead Ringers S1 on Prime Video. Start your 30-day free trial today.
This article originally appeared on Fandom.
