The Residence (2025)
As we watched the bird-obsessed Detective Cordelia Cupp wind her way through the White House’s labyrinthine halls and passages to investigate a murder, I turned to my wife and noted how much it felt like The Residence had been made specifically for her. The original Netflix series is delightful for nearly all of its eight episodes, with twists and turns aplenty as Cupp’s investigation reveals all manner of scandals and misdeeds on the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Residence has an embarrassment of riches: colorful characters, a standout cast (e.g., Uzo Aduba, Giancarlo Esposito, Ken Marino, Randall Park, Jason Lee, Jane Curtin), immaculate production design, a riotous jazz soundtrack, and some of 2025’s funniest dialog to date. Unfortunately, after a wildly delightful ride, The Residence doesn’t quite stick the landing. It runs about 30 minutes too long and its critique of those who use their privilege and political power for personal gain, though certainly relevant to our current political situation, can get as preachy as it is pointed. Even so, if you’re a fan of Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building — and birding — then The Residence should be at the very top of your Netflix queue. (As a side note, I really wish my house had some secret stairways now.)
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