Malice Review: Jack Whitehall Is Your New Favorite Villain and No One Is More Surprised Than Us
- Je-Ree
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read

Let's jump right into, Prime Video’s Malice serves up a psychological thriller that sneaks up on you and Jack Whitehall steals the show in the most unexpected way. The series plunges viewers into a tense, unsettling world where charm and menace collide in the most deliciously disturbing fashion. From the first scene, Malice grabs your attention and refuses to let go, serving up a cocktail of mystery, manipulation, and mind games that will keep you guessing.
The premise is simple but effective. Whitehall plays Adam, a charismatic tutor who worms his way into the lives of the wealthy Tanner family during a holiday in Greece. When the family’s nanny falls seriously ill, Adam seizes the opportunity to embed himself deeper into their London home. But this is no ordinary tutor gig. As the series unfolds, Adam’s true, vengeful nature begins to surface, and suddenly the perfect family facade starts to crack under the pressure of his sinister influence.
What makes Malice such a gripping watch is how it balances character drama with a creeping sense of dread. The show wastes no time introducing the key players, and the writing smartly allows you to figure out who everyone is without bogging down the pacing. David Duchovny shines as Jamie Tanner, the patriarch whose life starts unraveling as Adam’s manipulations take hold. Carice van Houten brings her usual gravitas as Nat Tanner, Jamie’s wife, caught in the middle of the brewing storm. But the real scene-stealer here is Whitehall, who completely surprises with his chilling and multi-layered portrayal of Adam. His maniacal charm is as captivating as it is unsettling, proving that he is far more than just a comedic actor.
The brilliance of Malice lies in its ability to blur the lines between protagonist and antagonist. You are left questioning who deserves your sympathy and who you want to see fall. Should you hate Adam for the havoc he wreaks, or is Jamie’s character also flawed enough to warrant a healthy dose of skepticism? The show revels in this moral ambiguity, which adds a layer of complexity that many thrillers lack.
From a production standpoint, Malice is slick and stylish, with sharp direction from Mike Barker and Leonora Lonsdale. The series carries a cinematic feel that elevates it beyond your typical streaming thriller. Expect tight editing, atmospheric tension, and performances that pull you in without overwhelming the story.

Copyright: ©Prime U
For fans of psychological thrillers on Prime Video, Malice is a must-watch. It is perfect for those who love shows that keep their cards close to the chest and reveal their true colors slowly and satisfyingly. The pacing is deliberate without dragging, and each episode builds on the last, layering suspense and intrigue until you simply cannot look away.
Basically, Malice is a deliciously dark addition to the Prime Video lineup that challenges expectations and showcases Jack Whitehall’s impressive acting range. It will have you questioning every character’s motives and keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy thrillers where trust is scarce and danger lurks just beneath the surface, this show should be high on your watch list.
As the series unfolds, viewers are left with plenty to ponder about family, loyalty, and the fine line between protector and predator. Malice is the kind of show that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, making it one of the standout Prime Video thrillers of the year.
I had the pleasure of speaking with two of the stars, Christine Adams (Jules) and Raza Jaffrey (Damien) about what viewers could expect. You can read that interview here and check out the video below:
Ready to dive in? Keep your eyes peeled for Malice on Prime Video. It is a gripping, twisty thriller that proves sometimes the biggest danger comes from within the people you think you know best.
Check out an exclusive clip:
