Bad Sisters review: Apple’s brilliant new black comedy is an endlessly bingeable treat, and one of the year’s best shows
Following Netflix’s “Darlings,” Apple TV+ introduces “Bad Sisters,” a remarkable series that offers a masterclass in handling similar themes with a level of sophistication lacking in the Alia Bhatt film. Set in Ireland, known for Martin McDonagh, the eminent writer of dark comedies, “Bad Sisters” opens with a scene foreshadowing the twisted narrative. A grieving widow rushes to find an item to discreetly cover her dead husband’s post-mortem erection just before guests arrive for his funeral.
In the initial episode, aptly titled “The Prick,” the show reveals that the deceased, John Paul Williams, was widely despised in town, and several people, including his widow Grace’s four sisters, harbored a desire for his demise. Across ten episodes, “Bad Sisters” unfolds the monstrous nature of John Paul and explores how any of Grace’s sisters might have had a motive to kill him. Each sister had ample reason.
While “Darlings” exhibited tonal inconsistencies, it maintained ethical integrity, steering clear of narrative pitfalls common in feminist revenge films. Crucially, it resisted transforming its protagonist into a monster, emphasizing the moral dimension in fables like “Bad Sisters.”
The Garvey sisters—played by co-creator Sharon Horgan, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson—skillfully navigate a morally ambiguous tightrope under intense pressure. Witnessing John Paul’s emotional abuse of Grace, the sisters contemplate his murder, but the show refrains from making them irredeemable. They grapple with guilt, emphasizing the barbarity of revenge.
The plot thickens with the arrival of two insurance-agent brothers investigating the Garvey sisters. Having inherited their father’s failing agency, they seek to prove foul play in John Paul’s death to salvage their business. This tactic keeps the police at bay, acknowledging the potential challenges of involving them in such a storyline.
“Bad Sisters” stands out for basing major decisions on authentic human relationships rather than plot convenience. Despite occasional humor, an underlying tension and subdued rage persist throughout the series. As Apple TV+’s second murder mystery of 2022, following “The Afterparty,” “Bad Sisters” contributes to a stellar year for the streaming service, featuring standout titles like “Pachinko,” “Black Bird,” “Severance,” and “Cha Cha Real Smooth.” Enjoy the unpredictability of “Bad Sisters,” recognizing the evolving landscape of streaming narratives.
