Prime Video has delivered a masterclass in psychological tension with The Girlfriend trailer, offering audiences their first riveting glimpse into a twisted mother-son-girlfriend dynamic that promises to redefine family drama. The streaming giant’s latest psychological thriller showcases Robin Wright and Olivia Cooke in what appears to be an electrifying battle of wits, manipulation, and maternal instincts gone dangerously awry.
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A Perfect Life Shattered by Suspicion
The Girlfriend trailer immediately establishes the show’s compelling premise through its portrayal of Laura Cavendish, played by Robin Wright, a woman who seemingly has achieved everything—a successful art gallery, a devoted husband, and most importantly, her precious son Daniel. The trailer expertly builds tension from the moment Daniel brings home Cherry, played by Olivia Cooke, a young woman whose arrival threatens to unravel Laura’s carefully constructed world.
Based on Michelle Frances’ bestselling novel, the six-episode series explores the psychological warfare that erupts when maternal instincts collide with romantic love. The trailer poses the central question that drives the entire narrative: “Do you like her?” When asked about Daniel’s new girlfriend, Laura’s response is chillingly diplomatic: “Jury’s out.”
Olivia Cooke’s Captivating Performance as Cherry
Olivia Cooke brings her acclaimed dramatic range to the role of Cherry, a character who represents everything Laura fears about losing her son. Known for her powerful performances in “House of the Dragon” and “Bates Motel,” Olivia Cooke appears to be channeling a complex blend of vulnerability and potential manipulation that makes Cherry both sympathetic and suspicious.
The Girlfriend trailer strategically reveals glimpses of Cherry’s background as someone who “has had to fight for every opportunity in her life,” suggesting a class divide that fuels Laura’s suspicions. Cooke’s portrayal promises to keep audiences guessing about Cherry’s true intentions, embodying the series’ central theme that truth is a matter of perspective.
Robin Wright’s Directorial and Acting Excellence
Robin Wright not only stars as Laura but also serves as executive producer and director of the first three episodes, bringing her extensive experience from “House of Cards” and “Wonder Woman” to this intimate psychological thriller. The Girlfriend trailer showcases Wright’s nuanced performance as a mother whose protective instincts gradually transform into something more sinister and obsessive.
Wright has described her approach to the character as exploring “the textures of tension between these two women,” noting that in another world, Laura and Cherry “would have been BFFs.” The trailer reveals how Wright has crafted a character whose reasonable concerns about her son’s girlfriend slowly escalate into paranoid behavior that threatens everyone around her.
Stellar Supporting Ensemble
The Girlfriend trailer introduces audiences to a carefully curated supporting cast that enhances the series’ exploration of upper-class British society. Laurie Davidson, known for “Mary & George,” plays Daniel, the unfortunate object of both women’s affections who finds himself caught between his mother’s suspicions and his girlfriend’s charms.
Waleed Zuaiter portrays Howard, Laura’s husband who represents the stable foundation of their privileged world. The cast also includes Tanya Moodie as Isabella, Laura’s best friend; Anna Chancellor as Lilith; and Leo Suter as Nicholas, each contributing to the intricate web of relationships that the trailer suggests will be tested by Cherry’s arrival.
Production Excellence and Visual Storytelling
The Girlfriend trailer demonstrates the high production values that Prime Video has invested in this psychological thriller. Produced by Imaginarium Productions and Amazon MGM Studios, the series benefits from the creative vision of executive producers including Jonathan Cavendish, who has expressed excitement about pairing Wright and Olivia Cooke in this “tangled, spiraling thriller.”
The series is adapted for television by Naomi Sheldon and Gabbie Asher, with a writers’ room that includes Polly Cavendish, Helen Kingston, Marek Horn, and Ava Wong Davies. This collaborative approach ensures that the adaptation honors Frances’ source material while expanding the narrative for television audiences.
Themes of Class, Trust, and Maternal Obsession
The Girlfriend trailer hints at the series’ deeper exploration of British class dynamics, with Cherry representing a perceived threat not just to Daniel’s heart but to the family’s social status. The trailer suggests that Laura’s suspicions may be rooted in classist assumptions about who deserves access to their privileged world.
Wright has cited “Saltburn” as inspiration for the series’ examination of class tensions, noting how Cherry’s background as someone who has “fought for every opportunity” contrasts sharply with Daniel’s privileged upbringing. The Girlfriend trailer promises to explore whether Laura’s concerns are justified protection or destructive paranoia.
Global Release Strategy and Awards Potential
Prime Video has positioned The Girlfriend trailer as part of a major global launch, with all six episodes dropping simultaneously on September 10, 2025, across more than 240 countries and territories. This release strategy mirrors the platform’s approach to other prestige series, suggesting confidence in the show’s international appeal and awards potential.
The psychological thriller genre has proven successful for streaming platforms, and The Girlfriend trailer suggests this series could join the ranks of critically acclaimed shows like “Big Little Lies” and “Sharp Objects” in its exploration of domestic dysfunction among the privileged class.
The Girlfriend Series Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actresses | Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke |
| Based On | Novel by Michelle Frances |
| Episode Count | Six Episodes |
| Release Date | September 10, 2025 |
| Platform | Prime Video (Global) |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller |
| Setting | Contemporary Britain |
| Production Companies | Imaginarium Productions, Amazon MGM Studios |
Cast and Character Breakdown
| Actor | Character | Relationship | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Wright | Laura Cavendish | Suspicious Mother | “House of Cards,” “Wonder Woman,” “Forrest Gump” |
| Olivia Cooke | Cherry | Daniel’s Girlfriend | “House of the Dragon,” “Bates Motel,” “Sound of Metal” |
| Laurie Davidson | Daniel | Son/Boyfriend | “Mary & George,” “The Crossing” |
| Waleed Zuaiter | Howard | Laura’s Husband | “Gangs of London,” “Baghdad Central” |
| Tanya Moodie | Isabella | Laura’s Best Friend | “Motherland,” “Small Axe” |
| Anna Chancellor | Lilith | Supporting Character | “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “The Crown” |
FAQs
When does The Girlfriend trailer indicate the series will premiere?
The Girlfriend trailer confirms that all six episodes will be released simultaneously on Prime Video on September 10, 2025, available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
What is Olivia Cooke’s character Cherry’s background in The Girlfriend?
According to The Girlfriend trailer and official descriptions, Olivia Cooke plays Cherry, Daniel’s new girlfriend who is described as a young woman who “has had to fight for every opportunity in her life,” suggesting a working-class background.
Is The Girlfriend based on a book?
Yes, The Girlfriend is based on Michelle Frances’ bestselling novel of the same name. The series is adapted for television by Naomi Sheldon and Gabbie Asher, with Frances serving as an executive producer.
What role does Robin Wright play besides acting in The Girlfriend?
Robin Wright serves as both the lead actress playing Laura and as an executive producer on the series. She also directs the first three episodes of the six-episode series.
How many episodes will The Girlfriend have?
The Girlfriend is a limited series consisting of six episodes, all of which will be released at once on Prime Video’s premiere date of September 10, 2025.
