Penn Badgley stars in Amazon whodunit Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
A darkly inventive mystery series is making its way to the screen, promising to redefine the genre with its wickedly clever premise. Benjamin Stevenson’s best-selling novel, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, is officially headed for television, giving fans a chance to dive into a world where the biggest secrets are right under the surface.
The project, hailing from Fifth Season and Made Up Stories, is anchored by a rich tapestry of interconnected stories, all revolving around the enigmatic Cunningham family. The novel series has already garnered acclaim, with critics hailing it as a brilliant subversion of the murder mystery genre.
At the center of the narrative is Ernest Cunningham, portrayed by Penn Badgley. Badgley brings a fresh, unconventional energy to the role, as Ernest doesn’t just tell a story—he breaks the fourth wall, skipping around the narrative to offer warnings about impending deaths. This unique narration adds a layer of semi-serious wit that perfectly complements Stevenson’s darkly humorous writing style.
The plot kicks off when the Cunningham family gathers at an Australian ski resort, coinciding with the prison release of one of the family members. What starts as a reunion quickly descends into chaos when a grim discovery is made: a dead body with a blackened face is found on the golf course.
True to the title, every member of the Cunningham family carries a shadow of fatality, ranging from accidental mishaps to deliberate acts. This internal history of violence provides the volatile foundation for the unfolding mystery, forcing the family to confront their shared, terrifying past.
The showrunner and executive producer for the project is David Hemmingson, known for his compelling work on titles like The Holdovers. Hemmingson brings a seasoned sensibility to the adaptation, ensuring the narrative tension remains sharp and engaging.
If the attention for this series proves to be a major hit, the potential for expansion is immense. Readers are already eager for adaptations of other books in the series, including Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret, and Everyone in This Bank is a Thief.
This concept taps into the success of modern whodunits, drawing comparisons to acclaimed films like Knives Out. The blend of high-stakes murder, complex family dynamics, and unconventional storytelling positions the Cunningham saga as a compelling cinematic event that audiences are ready to embrace.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
