‘The Residence’ Is a Clever White House Murder Mystery

Netflix’s The Residence is a witty, stylish whodunit set in the White House, blending comedy and classic murder mystery tropes. The eight-episode series kicks off with the murder of the head usher, A.B. Wynter, during a state dinner. Detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) is called in to investigate, questioning a colorful cast of characters, including staffers, relatives, and a pastry chef. The series pays homage to mystery icons like Knives Out and Agatha Christie, and features performances from Giancarlo Esposito, Ken Marino, and Susan Kelechi Watson. Cordelia’s sharp eye and dry humor carry the story, and despite the occasional overlong scene (notably the 90-minute finale), the mystery is fair, engaging, and true to genre traditions. Congressional hearings framing the narrative feel slightly excessive, but the show delivers satisfying twists and red herrings. A love letter to the genre, The Residence succeeds as both a mystery and a character-driven comedy with political flair.

Source: NPR