If you're among the millions captivated by Netflix's gripping new thriller The Beast in Me, then you've undoubtedly become enamoured with Welsh actor Matthew Rhys. The series has become a streaming sensation, leaving viewers hungry for more of the talented performer's work.
From Netflix Thriller to HBO Crime Drama
The Beast in Me, based on astonishing real events, features Claire Danes as Aggie, a grieving mother who begins investigating the disappearance of her mysterious neighbour's wife. The neighbour in question is portrayed by Matthew Rhys, whose compelling performance as Nile Jarvis has become a talking point among viewers.
For those completely taken by the 51-year-old actor's captivating presence – previously known for his roles in The Americans and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood – there's one standout series where he delivers what many consider his career-best work.
Perry Mason: A Career-Defining Role
Devoted Matthew Rhys enthusiasts consistently praise his starring role in the HBO prequel Perry Mason, which aired for two critically acclaimed seasons between 2020 and 2023. The crime drama transports viewers to 1930s Los Angeles, following the titular down-on-his-luck private investigator as he solves complex mysteries while grappling with trauma from World War One.
The series serves as an origin story for the legendary defence attorney originally portrayed in the CBS series of the same name that ran from 1957 to 1966. Both television adaptations draw inspiration from author Erle Stanley Gardner's original novel series from that era.
Taking on such a beloved franchise came with significant expectations, but Rhys not only filled those substantial shoes but exceeded them, successfully bringing the character back to television screens with fresh depth and complexity.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Adoration
The series boasted an impressive ensemble cast including John Lithgow, Tatiana Maslany, and Juliet Rylance, but it was Rhys' performance that consistently garnered the highest praise from both critics and audiences alike.
Fans have enthusiastically shared their appreciation for the neo-noir series across various platforms. One Reddit user, MGD109, commented: 'Utterly loved it, one of my favourite shows to come out of 2020. Brilliant cast, compelling plot, beautiful scenery and cinematography.'
Another fan, Paul S, wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: 'The story was compelling and intense, and watching Perry Mason evolve from a dogged detective to a righteous lawyer was amazing.'
Critical reception mirrored this enthusiasm. The Guardian noted that 'Matthew Rhys is fantastic as this new, younger Mason, down on his luck in his personal life, but with a keen eye for a mystery.'
IGN described his performance as 'exemplary', while NPR praised how the actor played both sides of the layered character 'perfectly – the brooding, nonconformist of so many film noirs, as well as the emotional orator of those stirring summations to the jury.'
AV Club joined the chorus of approval, stating: 'Rhys deftly unfurls the enigmatic character layer by layer, crafting this degenerate into a more recognisable version of the legal icon revered for decades.'
An Unexpected Conclusion
Despite widespread critical praise and an Emmy-nominated run, the series concluded after its second season in 2023. HBO released a statement confirming the show's premature end: 'We are tremendously grateful for the remarkable work of Matthew Rhys and the unrivalled cast and crew of Perry Mason for their reimagining of such a treasured and storied franchise.'
For viewers left wanting more after The Beast in Me, Matthew Rhys' powerful portrayal in Perry Mason offers the perfect follow-up viewing. The complete series remains available for streaming on NOW, providing the ideal opportunity to witness what many consider the actor's finest performance to date.
