Review Blog of the Captivating New TV Series The Residence

Orange is the New Black’s Uzo Aduba is magnificent in this bonkers and witty whodunnit murder mystery set in the White House.

Netflix’s Latest Murder Mystery By Producers Shondaland

The White House, 132 rooms, 218 suspects, an eccentric detective, and one dead body—sounds like an Agatha Christie novel! Written by Paul William Davies and produced by Shondaland (Paul and Shonda Rhimes had previously worked together on another show, Scandal), this bonkers and witty whodunit mystery was inspired by The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by American journalist and author Kate Andersen Brower.

An eccentric detective and consultant with the Metropolitan Police Department named Cordelia Cupp arrives on the premises in order to solve the murder of A. B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher, whose murder occurred during a state dinner with over 140 guests and 50 personnel staff. Detective Cupp must investigate her surroundings and unravel the interpersonal conflicts among the personnel staff residing in the White House if she ever plans to find the killer.

The Residence’s Unique Storytelling

What I quite liked about this series is alongside the ongoing murder investigation, we as viewers have a unique perspective into the inner workings of the White House. By shining a spotlight and focusing on the lives of the staff members who support the presidential family against the backdrop of one of the most iconic residences in the world, the narrative unfolds and draws you in as we witness the intertwining personal lives, complexities and pressures faced by those who operate behind the scenes.

Each episode tends to explore staff members, from Lily, the President’s social secretary, to Marvella, the White House executive chef, to Tripp Morgan, the President’s brother, and even lower staff members like Sheila, a White House butler, Bruce, an engineer, and Elsyie, a housekeeper.

Every staff area of the iconic building seems to be investigated, whether it is their day-to-day operations, managing lavish events, security checks, maintenance, cleaning, or even navigating political tensions. The drama wonderfully blends the whodunnit mystery with the staff’s struggles and relationships and the challenges of juggling it all against a high-stakes environment. By seeking to humanise the staff, it creates opportunities and motives for why each member would’ve wanted the White House Chief Usher dead, which makes for great TV and engaging content to watch.

Compelling Performances

No character-driven storytelling is complete without believable performances, and thankfully, The Residence delivers. The star of the show is the brilliant detective Cordelia Cupp, played by the fantastic Orange is the New Black actress Uzo Aduba. Aduba showcases her ability to bring depth and nuance to her role not just with her powerful screen presence, but also how freely she can convey a wide range of emotions, from the stresses of her character’s professional responsibilities, her interactions with others, to moments of personal reflection.

As for the series’ comedic tone, Aduba is effortlessly funny and clearly having fun with her character just as much as it is entertaining to watch her on screen. This really showcases how versatile an actress she can be. Her talent and charisma contribute to the overall richness of the ensemble cast.

Talented Supporting Cast

Speaking of ensemble cast, the overall performances in “The Residence” is one of the show’s strengths. The cast provide strong portrayals of their characters, from the hilarious Sheila, an unprofessional butler and constant liar, played by the talented Edwina Findley, the President’s crazy brother and black sheep of the family, Tripp (Jason Lee), the unintentionally funny and uptight President’s chief adviser, Harry (Ken Marino), to the President’s social secretary and socialite, Lily (Molly Griggs), and that is only some of the talented ensemble cast that includes the likes of Kylie Minogue!

Whether their performances ranged from subtle emotional nuances to more dramatic moments, each actor brought depth and authenticity to their roles, helping to create a believable, diverse array of staff members and an engaging depiction of life inside the White House while highlighting the varying perspectives, dynamics, unique backstories, and motivations.

The chemistry among the ensemble cast was superb. Their characters’ interactions felt authentic and relatable. This helped create a strong sense of camaraderie and tension, enhancing the story and adding to the creative way of piecing everything together in what really unfolded the night of the murder.

Authentic Production Design

The production quality was another highlight of the series. The meticulous attention to detail in the set design was top-tier. From the ornate rooms to the bustling atmosphere of the staff quarters, to the props and furnishings used throughout the series. Even the use of strategic lighting, the colour palette, and textures to enhance the believability of the scenes was on point. While the strong performances and engaging plot enhanced the narrative, it was the visual storytelling that immersed the audience in the world of the White House. It really played a crucial role in bringing the authenticity of the White House to life.

Another element that served the storytelling was the cinematography, especially the dynamic camera movements, which allowed for seamless transitions between different spaces within the White House. Not only did it create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, but it also reflected the hierarchical nature of the White House, and shots that focus on the characters’ reactions or position in relation to the grandeur of their surroundings emphasized their emotional journeys and conflicts.

A Review Blog Verdict

The Residence, with its magnetic presence from its lead detective, strong ensemble vibe and performances, and an engaging insight into the complexities and challenges faced by the staff working behind the scenes at the White House, the set designs’ meticulous attention to detail, the clever use of dynamic camera movements, and the immersive storytelling, the series is likely to resonate with viewers who appreciate character-focus narratives or enjoy witty and engaging murder mysteries that provide fantastic escapism.

Additionally, if you are interested in more tv series reviews and recommendations, check out my tv show section page.

---