Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Prime Video’s 'The Better Sister' Debuts to Praise for Performances but Criticism for Tonal Inconsistency

Critics highlight standout performances alongside uneven narrative shifts that undercut its intended tension.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The series premiered in New York City on May 20 and became available on Prime Video worldwide on May 29, 2025.
  • Adapted from Alafair Burke’s 2019 novel, the limited run follows estranged sisters embroiled in a high-stakes murder investigation.
  • Reviewers commend Elizabeth Banks and supporting cast members Lorraine Toussaint and Gloria Reubens for their depth and chemistry.
  • Critics fault the show’s jarring shifts between prestige crime drama and campy moments for disrupting its overall suspense.
  • The writing faces scrutiny for forced dialogue and an overextended thematic scope that leaves key storylines underdeveloped.