If you’ve spent any time on Netflix lately, you probably got sucked into the high-gloss, high-anxiety world of Nantucket wealth in The Perfect Couple. It’s got everything: Nicole Kidman looking frosty in linen, a dead body in the harbor, and a family dance routine that is either iconic or deeply uncomfortable, depending on who you ask. But while the heavy hitters like Liev Schreiber and Dakota Fanning chew up the scenery, there’s one performance that feels surprisingly grounded.
Sam Nivola.
He plays Will Winbury, the youngest of the three brothers. Honestly, in a show where basically everyone is a sociopath or at least a massive jerk, Will is the only one who doesn't make you want to throw your remote at the TV.
Who exactly is Will Winbury?
Will is the baby of the family. While his older brothers Benji and Thomas are busy being "polished" or "destructive," Will is just... a teenager. He’s the one who sees the cracks in the Winbury facade and actually looks annoyed by them. Sam Nivola has described the character as a bit of a "mama’s boy," which makes sense when your mom is a world-famous mystery novelist who controls the family’s every move.
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But there’s a specific kind of internal rage Nivola brings to the role. It’s not the loud, "I’m going to crash a car" rage that his brother Thomas (Jack Reynor) displays. It’s more of a quiet, simmering frustration.
Why Sam Nivola is the breakout star you didn't see coming
You might've recognized him and couldn't quite place the face. Or maybe you just thought, that kid has incredible eyebrows. There’s a reason he feels like a pro. Sam Nivola is basically Hollywood royalty, though he doesn't really act like it. His parents are Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola. You've seen his mom in everything from The Newsroom to Mary Poppins Returns, and his dad was the lead in The Many Saints of Newark.
Despite the "nepo baby" tag that gets thrown around these days, Nivola actually puts in the work. Before landing The Perfect Couple, he was in Noah Baumbach’s White Noise and played Leonard Bernstein’s son in Maestro. He has this knack for playing characters who are intellectually detached but secretly very vulnerable.
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In The Perfect Couple, he’s the "normie" lens. He’s dating Chloe Carter (played by Mia Isaac), the daughter of the local police chief. This relationship is pretty much the only thing in the show that feels like actual human connection. While the adults are lying about affairs and hidden bank accounts, Will and Chloe are just trying to navigate being young and trapped in a town that feels way too small during a murder investigation.
The White Lotus Connection
If you finished The Perfect Couple and immediately jumped into season 3 of The White Lotus, you probably did a double-take. Nivola is in that, too.
He plays Lochlan Ratliff, and interestingly, he’s once again the youngest sibling in a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Nivola has joked about mastering the "teenage loser" or "awkward youngest child" trope. He’s really good at it. There is a specific kind of look he gives—shoulders hunched, slightly skeptical squint—that perfectly captures what it’s like to be 18 and realizing your parents are actually kind of terrible people.
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What makes his performance in The Perfect Couple stand out?
- The Subtle Acting: He doesn't have the big, flashy "I’m the killer!" scenes. Instead, he’s in the background of the dinner table shots, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. That’s relatable.
- The Chemistry: His scenes with Mia Isaac are the emotional heart of the series. Without them, the show would just be a bunch of rich people being mean to each other.
- The Perspective: Will is one of the few characters who hasn't been completely corrupted by the Winbury money yet. He’s still "wide-eyed," as Nivola puts it, which gives the audience someone to root for.
Is there more coming for Will?
Netflix hasn't officially greenlit a second season for The Perfect Couple as of early 2026, but the rumors are definitely swirling. Given how much of a hit it was, they’d be crazy not to.
Nivola himself is keeping busy. He’s moved on to projects like the comedy Driver’s Ed and, of course, the massive cultural footprint of The White Lotus.
If you’re looking to follow his career, keep an eye on his production company. He started one with a close friend because, as he’s said in interviews, acting can be a bit limiting. He wants to write and direct. Given his pedigree and the way he handles complex characters like Will Winbury, he’s probably going to be a major force behind the camera soon enough.
Actionable Insights for Fans of the Show:
- Watch the background: If you re-watch The Perfect Couple, pay attention to Will during the group scenes. His reactions to his family’s drama are often funnier than the dialogue itself.
- Check out his earlier work: If you liked his vibe, White Noise on Netflix is a must-watch. He plays a very different, much more talkative version of a "smart kid."
- Follow the cast: Most of the younger cast members, including Nivola and Eve Hewson, have shared some pretty hilarious behind-the-scenes content from the Nantucket set on their social media.
Sam Nivola might play the "awkward teenager" better than anyone else in Hollywood right now, but there's nothing awkward about his career trajectory. He's the real deal.