The psychological thriller The Girlfriend, by Michelle Frances, begins with an apparently ordinary situation: a young man in love introduces his new girlfriend to his family. What could be just another step into adulthood quickly turns into a minefield of tensions. The relationship between mother and daughter-in-law — made of jealousy, mistrust, and secrets — fuels a story that explores the fragility of family ties and the traps of emotional manipulation.

This is not a lighthearted comedy like Monster-in-Law (2005), starring Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez, though the premise may sound similar. Here, the dynamic of two women fighting for space in the same man’s life takes on much darker tones. Published in 2017, the book soon became an international success, captivating readers with its twists and psychological depth. Now, the story comes to television in an adaptation that is already among the most anticipated releases of the year.

The series stars Robin Wright as Laura, the mother, and Olivia Cooke as Cherry, the girlfriend who disrupts the family’s balance. The pairing of these two actresses — both renowned for their dramatic intensity and critical acclaim — raises expectations that the adaptation will capture the essence of the book: a tense, unsettling suspense that is impossible to ignore.

At its core, the story follows Laura, a mother who has always put her son Daniel at the center of her life. Successful in her career and used to a bond of near-obsessive closeness with him, she suddenly sees her world change when Daniel introduces Cherry. Charming, beautiful, and seemingly perfect, Cherry immediately makes Laura feel that something is off.

Their social differences add fuel to the tension: while Laura comes from wealth, Cherry grew up in humbler circumstances. Over time, Laura begins to suspect that Cherry is more interested in security and comfort than true love. Cherry, in turn, senses the mother’s distrust and starts to manipulate situations to her advantage, isolating Daniel and undermining his trust in Laura.

The suspense intensifies when Daniel suffers a tragic accident that leaves him in a coma. From that moment, a silent yet fierce battle unfolds — Laura, determined to protect her son and uncover the truth, against Cherry, desperate to secure her place at any cost.

Without revealing the ending, the narrative exposes both women as deeply flawed: Cherry with her calculated coldness, and Laura with her obsession and inability to let her son grow independent. The result is a disturbing portrait of love, trust, and control within family dynamics.

More than a clash of personalities, The Girlfriend raises universal questions about how far people will go to protect those they love. Whether for readers who devoured the novel or for newcomers about to discover the story, this adaptation promises to stir emotions and spark conversations. The premiere is set for September 10.