Movies of War

Mar 10, 2026 9:00am PT Nicole Kidman Is Dynamic in Prime Video’s Sensational Serial Killer Thriller ‘Scarpetta’: TV Review By Aramide Tinubu Plus Icon Aramide Tinubu Latest ABC’s ‘RJ Decker’ Is an Off-Kilter Crime Drama With a Florida Vibe: TV Review 1 week ago Guy Ritchie’s ‘Young Sherlock’ Delivers a Perfect Origin Story: TV Review 1 week ago Prime Video’s ‘The Gray House’ Is a Frustrating Depiction of Espionage During the Civil War: TV Review 2 weeks ago See All Connie Chornuk/Prime Based on Patricia Cornwell’s beloved book series and adapted for television by Liz Sarnoff, Prime Video‘s latest crime thriller, “Scarpetta,” is an engrossing depiction of horrific femicide, dysfunctional families and the lies that can change perceptions. Gliding seamlessly between the present and the past, the show follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta (a fantastic Nicole Kidman), who returns to her position as Virginia’s chief medical examiner after being ousted years prior. Though Kay’s comeback is supposed to be a new chapter for her and her FBI profiler husband, Benton Wesley (Simon Baker), her first new case calls into question a career-making one from 28 years ago. Graphic and intense, “Scarpetta” is a story about violence, secrets and psychologically shattering incidents. Related Stories David Harewood on Landing First Lead in 40-Year Career in ‘Pierre’ – and Finally Being No. 1 on the Call Sheet: ‘Exciting Place to Be’ (EXCLUSIVE) “Scarpetta” opens in the dead of night. Hours after resuming her role, Kay is jolted awake by a call. A woman’s body has been found, hog-tied and naked, near some train tracks. The scene is nauseating, but what disturbs Kay and retired Detective Pete Marino (Bobby Cannavale) most is its uncanny similarity to a case from their past. Popular on Variety Dialing back in time, the audience meets a younger Kay (Rosy MeEwen), who receives a call from Pete (Jake Cannavale, Bobby Cannavale’s son), then a junior detective. It’s 1998, and the city of Alexandria is being terrorized by a serial killer; now a fourth body has been discovered. As the newly installed chief, Kay feels pressure from city attorney Bill Boltz (Mike Vogel), former interim chief Elvin Reddy (Alex Klein), who is bitter about getting passed over for the job, and tenacious reporter Abby Turnball (Sosie Bacon), who won’t take “no comment® for an answer. With the killer eluding local law enforcement, Boltz brings in Benton (Hunter Parrish) to aid Kay and Pete in sniffing out the murderer. “Scarpetta” is gruesome to watch. The series doesn’t shyaway from the gory intricacies of death, including decaying cadavers and the detailed autopsies Kay performs. In the present, Kay drags Pete out of retirement, not only to obtain justice for the new victim and her family, but to prove they nabbed the right guy nearly three decades ago. However, as the pair delve into the evidence and dredge up the past, they realize they may have stumbled on something far more complex than they anticpated. It’s not just the doctor’s profession that’s grotesque. Her personal life is also twisted chaos. She and Benton live in his enormous childhood home with her sister Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Pete, who is now Kay’s brother-in-law. Moreover, Dorothy’s recently widowed daughter, Lucy (Ariana DeBose), whom Kay raised, lives in the guesthouse on the property. Though this would be uncomfortably close quarters for most people, Kay and Dorothy’s volatile relationship, Lucy’s grief and Pete and Kay’s unique bond make the situation especially tense. In flashbacks, viewers learn why Dorothy (Amanda Righetti) left an 11-year-old Lucy (Savannah Lumar) in Kay’s care, and how Lucy and Kay’s codependency continually vexes Dorothy. “Scarpetta” is excellent storytelling. Even as the narrative grows more complicated, the show manages to keep the audience grounded in the crimes and Kay’s methodology. It also showcases the thundering misogyny of a bygone era that still echoes around us today, while unpacking the unpleasantness of death, which drastically impacts the living. Most intriguing, though, are the show’s depictions of monstrosity. There are the obvious killers, of course, but “Scarpetta” proves that villains often come in many forms. All eight episodes of “Scarpetta” premiere March 11 on Prime Video. Jump to Comments Nicole Kidman Is Dynamic in Prime Video’s Sensational Serial Killer Thriller ‘Scarpetta’: TV Review Production: Scarpetta is executive produced by Nicole Kidman and Per Saari through Blossom Films, Jamie Lee Curtis through Comet Pictures, writer and showrunner Liz Sarnoff through Sarnoff TV, author Patricia Cornwell through P & S Projects, as well as Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Chris Dickie, and Chris McCumber through Blumhouse Television. David Gordon Green directed five episodes and also serves as executive producer alongside Amy Sayres. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blumhouse Television in association with Blossom Films, Comet Pictures, and P&S Projects. Crew: Based on the novels by Patricia Cornwell and adapted to television by Liz Sarnoff. Cast: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, Rosy McEwen, Amanda Righetti, Jake Cannavale, Hunter Parrish Disney and F1 Expand ‘Fuel the Magic’ Partnership With Uniqlo Collection, WEBTOON Comic Series and Mickey Mouse Plush Toys ‘F1′ Cinematographer Claudio Miranda on Creating Tension Through Framing and Why Las Vegas’ Neon Signs Were Challenging Australian Grand Prix: How to Watch 2026 F1 Season Opener Online for Free Apple Unveils 2026 Film Slate: Ryan Reynolds Fights a New War, Jonah Hill Gives Keanu Reeves the ‘Jay Kelly’ Treatment and ‘Matchbox’ Revs Up General Motors Takes Cadillac F1 Debut to Super Bowl BFI and British Consulate-General Toast Oscar Weekend as U.K. Scores 40 Nominations (EXCLUSIVE) JavaScript is required to load the comments. Loading comments...