Netflix’s six-episode series His & Hers builds tension through grief, suspicion, and fractured relationships. Despite some pacing issues, the performances by Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
A Small Town Shaken by Murder
Set in the quiet hills of Dahlonega, near Atlanta, His & Hers opens with a brutal murder in the woods, unsettling a town already weighed down by secrets. Based on Alice Feeney’s 2020 novel, the series gradually reveals layers of deceit, memory, and loss in a slow-burning fashion.
Tessa Thompson plays Anna Andrews, a broadcast journalist attempting to reclaim her career after a personal tragedy. Covering the murder brings her back to her hometown, forcing her to confront past wounds. Jon Bernthal’s Detective Jack Harper, the local sheriff, is tasked with solving the crime while grappling with his own personal demons. Their strained relationship — a marriage fractured by the loss of their child — provides an emotional throughline as their professional paths collide repeatedly.
Supporting characters, including Jack’s partner Priya (Sunita Mani), his sister Zoe (Marina Ireland), and Anna’s aging mother Alice (Crystal Fox), all carry pieces of the town’s hidden truths, making every interaction charged with tension and suspicion.
Memory, Grief, and Uneven Momentum
His & Hers thrives when exploring memory and perspective. Flashbacks and fragmented storytelling force viewers to question what is real versus what is influenced by grief or guilt. Early episodes allow doubt and suspicion to build organically, grounding the emotions in quiet, intimate moments rather than grandiose speeches.
However, not every twist lands successfully. Some character decisions feel contrived, included more for shock value than logic. Middle episodes occasionally lose focus, dwelling on side plots that dilute the central mystery. Attempts to cast Jack Harper as a red herring sometimes feel forced, even bordering on unintentionally humorous.
Strong Performances Keep the Mystery Alive
Despite uneven pacing, the committed performances of Thompson and Bernthal elevate the series. Their portrayals of grief, longing, and mistrust anchor the story, making the audience invested in both the murder investigation and the personal stakes of their characters. The small-town setting, with its overcast skies and tight-knit communities, adds a layer of atmospheric tension that complements the series’ psychological core.
What begins as a simple murder mystery evolves into a study of damaged families, buried secrets, and long-standing mistrust. Even with its flaws, the series maintains a sense of suspense because every character’s choices are shaded by doubt, fear, and hidden agendas.
JAY-HO Verdict
His & Hers is a moody, character-driven whodunit that rewards patient viewing. While some plot threads falter and pacing occasionally drags, the series’ exploration of grief, memory, and human frailty, combined with strong lead performances, makes it compelling for fans of psychological drama and slow-burn mysteries.
