Corey Stoll, known for his roles in House of Cards and The Many Saints of Newark, recently opened up about his role as Adam in the Prime Video adaptation of The Better Sister. In a Zoom interview with UPI, Stoll explained his interest in portraying a seemingly successful New York lawyer with a painful and complex history.
Adam is a man who appears to have it all, but underneath his polished exterior lies a difficult past. Stoll was drawn to the character’s layered emotional life, especially the unresolved pain from his childhood and the lingering “chip on his shoulder.”
Family Tensions and a Murder Mystery Collide in This Gripping Psychological Drama
The Better Sister, based on Alafair Burke’s bestselling novel, kicks off with the shocking murder of Adam, discovered by his wife Chloe (played by Jessica Biel) at their summer home. The mystery unfolds quickly as Adam’s troubled teenage son, Ethan, becomes the prime suspect.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Adam’s ex-wife, Nicky (Elizabeth Banks), who is also Chloe’s sister. The tangled relationships between the characters set the stage for a gripping blend of family drama and murder mystery.
Despite the multiple storylines, Stoll said it was Adam’s relationship with his son Ethan that truly resonated with him. He found the emotional distance and complexity between fathers and sons particularly compelling, describing it as a relationship “so full of love,” yet plagued by an inability to fully express that love.
Stoll appreciated the emotional depth the script offered and found the father-son tension rich with dramatic potential, making it the most relatable and engaging aspect of the role for him.
Twists, Flashbacks, and Mystery Keep Viewers Hooked and Actors on Their Toes
While the emotional depth of the family relationships attracted Stoll, he also appreciated the tightly woven mystery at the heart of the series. The narrative’s unpredictable twists and constant momentum kept even the actors on their toes.
Stoll praised the show’s pacing and suspense, noting how each episode drives the viewer to immediately continue watching. The murder mystery component, paired with the family intrigue, makes The Better Sister an engaging and fast-paced series.
Because Adam is murdered early in the story, much of his presence is felt through flashbacks and the memories of other characters. This presented a unique challenge for Stoll, who had to stay attuned to the evolving timeline and shifting perspectives.
Scenes were often shot out of order and spanned different decades, requiring the cast and crew to collaborate closely for continuity. Stoll emphasized the importance of playing each scene truthfully, relying on the well-crafted script to ground his performance despite the nonlinear storytelling.
