Netflix Thriller ‘His & Hers’ Explores Grief Through a Child’s Death

Netflix’s new thriller, “His & Hers,” navigates themes of grief following a child’s death. The series features Tessa Thompson as Anna, an Atlanta-based journalist, and Jon Bernthal as Jack, a rural detective. Their complex relationship and the tragic circumstances surrounding the murder of a woman in Georgia provide a dark backdrop for the narrative.

Plot Overview

The series opens with a shocking murder scene: a woman’s body found in her jeep, covered in stab wounds. Anna rushes to uncover the details, only to discover she and Jack are estranged spouses. Both are suspects, residing in a tense web of accusation and secrets.

Character Dynamics

• Anna: A gritty journalist who struggles with ethical dilemmas, including drinking on the job and infidelity.
• Jack: A detective grappling with his own failures and a tragic past, marked by the loss of their child.

As the investigation unfolds, their shared grief over the death of their baby, raised by Anna’s mother, complicates their interactions. This subplot feels heavy-handed and may detract from the thriller’s pacing.

Thematic Elements

“His & Hers” attempts to explore serious themes such as grief and loss. However, criticisms arise regarding its reliance on the tragic backstory of a dead child as a narrative device. This trope has become prevalent in thrillers, often overshadowing lighter, more engaging storytelling.

Comparative Analysis

In previous works, such as “The Beast in Me,” similar themes were integrated effectively, creating depth. In contrast, “His & Hers” appears to struggle to balance its darker themes with the inherent absurdity of the thriller genre. Critics argue that using grief as a plot device can feel like a shortcut rather than a genuine exploration of character development.

Final Thoughts

Though “His & Hers” dives into the complexities of loss, it may ultimately disappoint viewers looking for a straightforward thriller. The interplay between humor and tragedy feels forced, weakening the narrative’s impact. The final episodes lean into the absurd, leaving audiences questioning the effectiveness of its dramatic pursuits.

Overall, “His & Hers” raises significant questions about the portrayal of grief in contemporary thrillers, making it a topic worth discussing for fans of the genre and beyond.