The Residence Review
If you thought Clue needed more drama, better lighting, and a Secret Service detail—Netflix has you covered with The Residence. It’s a murder mystery, it’s a political satire, it’s Downton Abbey meets Scandal, and we are eating it up like it’s state dinner leftovers.
Set in the world’s most exclusive Airbnb—the White House—The Residence is Netflix’s latest whodunit that dares to ask the boldest question of all: who killed the reputation of America’s favorite political family… with a candlestick… in the Lincoln Bedroom?
Let’s break down this delightfully unhinged murder mystery, where the drama is high, the uniforms are pressed, and the staff know everything.
🎩 The Plot: Who Killed the Vibe at 1600 Pennsylvania?
When a body turns up at the White House (and no, not metaphorically—literally dead), the staff becomes the prime suspect pool. There’s a butler with secrets, a chef with sharp knives and sharper cheekbones, a social secretary who definitely has a burner phone, and a first lady who gives side-eye that could trigger the nuclear codes.
The Residence isn’t your average whodunit. It’s a murder mystery served with White House china, polished with political commentary, and sprinkled with enough shady glances to fog up the Resolute Desk.
🔍 The Characters: Clue, But With Better Skincare Routines
Netflix has blessed us with a cast that feels like the Avengers of White House gossip. We’ve got:
- The Hilariously Blunt Investigator: Think Olivia Pope with zero chill.
- The Disapproving Chief Usher: Has been judging presidents since the Reagan era.
- The Flirty Pastry Chef: Whisking secrets and soufflés with equal passion.
- The Janitor Who’s Always in the Right Place at the Wrong Time™.
Honestly, I’d watch an entire spin-off of these characters hosting a murder-themed brunch.
🕵️♀️ The Vibe: Murder, Mayhem, and Midterms
The Residence works because it knows exactly what it is: campy, clever, and delightfully unhinged. It’s not here to lecture—it’s here to entertain. You’ll laugh. You’ll guess wrong. You’ll pause to Google “can the First Dog be called to testify?”
Every episode feels like if Knives Out had a fling with The West Wing, then raised their love child on Real Housewives of D.C.
And best believe, this show knows how to serve a moment. The slow zooms. The dramatic music. The lingering looks across the Roosevelt Room. Someone give the cinematographer a Presidential Medal of Sass.
🎬 Why It Works: It’s Smart, Stylish, and Slightly Unhinged
Let’s be honest—murder mysteries can get real dusty. But The Residence polishes the genre like it’s prepping for a diplomatic visit. It’s fresh, it’s fast-paced, and it throws in just enough political shade to keep it spicy.
Plus, it has one thing every great whodunit needs: misdirection. Just when you think you’ve cracked the case, Netflix slaps your theory across the face with a monogrammed glove.
Also? The fashion is subtly fire. Everyone looks like they could be on the cover of GQ: Government Edition. Tailored suits, silk scarves, scandal-ready shoes. It’s giving Capitol Couture.
🥂 Final Verdict: Four Stars, One Corpse, Zero Boring Moments
The Residence is what happens when murder mystery meets political fanfic—and we are here for it. It’s juicy without being messy, smart without being smug, and stylish without trying too hard.
If you’re craving: ✔️ A good mystery
✔️ Some serious behind-the-scenes White House tea
✔️ Characters who can serve attitude and hors d’oeuvres
Then this show belongs on your weekend binge list.
Just don’t trust anyone. Especially the pastry chef.
