Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2's "Gothic Story" & New Character Teased By Star

Murray Bartlett has revealed new details about Nine Perfect Strangers season 2. Hulu's psychological drama, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort promising healing and transformation, when nine stressed city habitants embark on a 10-day retreat under the watchful eye of its director, Masha (Nicole Kidman), who is determined to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. The Nine Perfect Strangers cast features talent that includes Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie, Manny Jacinto, Grace Van Patten, Melvin Gregg, Zoe Terakes, and now Bartlett as he joins the second season.

During an interview with Business Insider while attending the Sundance Film Festival premiere of his new movie Opus, Bartlett introduced his new Nine Perfect Strangers character, who is an ex-children’s TV host with a puppet. He also teased the season’s mysterious elements and the beautiful locations where filming took place. While official plot details remain scarce, Bartlett’s comments suggest that the upcoming episodes will take a darker turn. Check out his comments below:

"I'm an ex-children's TV host, and I have a puppet. It's an amazing cast, there's some great twists and turns in the story this season, and we shot in the most beautiful locations. It's kinda gothic this season."

What This Means for Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2

There Could Be a Tonal Shift in Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2

Bartlett’s mention of a “gothic” tone indicates a potential shift in the show’s style, possibly reintroducing eerie, psychological, or suspenseful elements. Since its debut in 2021, the series has followed a similar route and focused on the inner conflicts of Nine Perfect Strangers' characters and their interactions with one another. However, the narrative has been criticized as slightly confusing in Nine Perfect Strangers, which could reflect its 47% Rotten Tomatoes score. For season 2, a gothic approach could push these themes even further, but also offer a new direction.

Moreover, the inclusion of Bartlett and his new character hints at an unusual and possibly unsettling presence within the Tranquillum House. New characters in Nine Perfect Strangers often bring additional conflicts, such as reporter Lars Lee (Evans), and Bartlett’s role could introduce unexpected challenges for the returning cast. With an expanded cast, Season 2 has the opportunity to develop these dynamics while maintaining the intensity that defined Nine Perfect Strangers season 1.

Our Take on Nine Perfect Strangers' Gothic Turn

A Gothic Angle Could be What The Show Needs

A possible gothic direction could be exactly what Nine Perfect Strangers needs to differentiate itself from season 1. The series has leaned into psychological unease throughout its previous season, and embracing a more mysterious atmosphere could make season 2 even more compelling. With Bartlett joining the cast and teasing intriguing new elements, Nine Perfect Strangers' upcoming season has the potential to build on the show’s existing strengths while exploring new plotlines.

Source: Business Insider