In the riveting world of The Couple Next Door a deliciously dark, psychological drama airing on Channel 4, Pete, portrayed by Alfred Enoch emerges as a character shrouded in complexity and intrigue. As we delve into the mind of this enigmatic journalist, the actor takes us on a journey through Pete’s motivations, the intricate dynamics of his relationships, and the thrilling elements that make this series a must-watch.
“I would say Pete is conscientious, committed to his work, and sees there’s a social function in it,” shares the actor, setting the stage for Pete’s character. “On the one hand, it gives him fulfillment. On the other hand, it’s a source of frustration because he’s working at a dying local newspaper and he’s not at the point that he would like to be in his career.”
As Pete grapples with the challenges of his professional life, Enoch unveils the layers beneath the surface. “Like all the characters, he’s motivated a lot by what’s under the surface. The insecurities, the resentments, the things that maybe aren’t evident at first glance.”
Delving into the complexities of Pete’s masculinity, he dismisses the notion of him being an alpha male. “I don’t think I’d say he’s an alpha at all. Nor is he trying to be, although probably that’s more by necessity than by choice.” The crux of Pete’s relationship with Danny, a robust policeman, lies in their conflicting personas within a traditional suburban familial context.
“I do think Pete is dismissive of Danny, snarky and snidey and quite evidently that’s insecurity,” reveals the actor, peeling back another layer of Pete’s character. “But it’s also doubling down on his mask. He’s like, how basic is it to be a big, rippling policeman? It’s 2023. It’s all about presentation and resentment and self-doubt and insecurity.”
The series takes a thrilling turn as Pete embarks on the trail of a dodgy businessman, revealing an intersection between his professional and personal life. “There’s an intersection between, in Pete’s case, the professional and the personal. The way those things start gathering momentum has a lot to do with the choices he makes in his work and the things he’s interested in. It’s kind of a dramatic catalyst. It ups the stakes and makes it more thrilling.”
As suburbia becomes a symbolic space for social repressions, Alfred reflects on the show’s take. “Suburbia is a notion in our collective imagination. The show leans into that. It is this abstract space to explore social repressions. It has this nightmarish, unreal quality which gives a psychological emphasis to the whole thing.”
Behind the scenes, the director, Dries, emerges as a visionary collaborator. “Fantastic. He tries to work with pretty much the same crew every production,” commends Enoch. “Dries is very collaborative, and he’s prepared to take risks. Maybe that’s because he works with people he knows and has developed a relationship with. Then you can really collaborate, then you can take chances.”
Crafting on-screen chemistry with Eleanor, the describes the process as a blend of rehearsal and shared experiences. “We had a bit of rehearsal time, but when I’m not working on screen, I’m doing stage work mostly, so I always miss that space to get into the rehearsal room.”
When asked about how this compares to his role in the massive cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter, he said “The context for me is quite different because Potter is massive, but it’s something I was not at the forefront of.”
As the series unfolds, it promises not just a thrilling narrative but a profound exploration of modern masculinity, suburban illusions, and the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics. Dive into the enigma that is Pete and experience the twists and turns behind the closed doors of suburbia—a journey that transcends the screen and delves into the depths of the human psyche.
Watch The Couple Next Door on Channel 4 at 9pm
