Watt lies beneath female sexuality
Naomi Watts stars in a TV series for the first time in 20 years – available to stream from this weekend. The Aussie actress plays a behavioural therapist specialising in treating sexual dysfunction who tells her patients to set boundaries, but has a hard time doing just that herself. It’s a bit of a stereotype with the dutiful wife and mother tipped over the edge into dangerous behaviour. But what gives this 10-part psychosexual thriller the edge is two-time Academy Award-nominated Watts’ performance as therapist Dr Jean Holloway. Her motives and dark desires draw her in unexpected directions and her sessions with patient Sam (Nocturnal Animals’ Karl Glusman) develop dangerously into role play. Jean’s fairly insipid husband Michael (Watchmen’s Billy Crudup) is left lamenting the fact that she seems more willing to find time for her work than life at home. Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam Taylor-johnson lends a certain sheen to the first two episodes and creator Lisa Rubin was determined the drama would focus on what drives female sexual desire. Watts shines in this slow burner which leaves potential for future seasons to turn up the tension.