Just the Nicest Couple

Content warning: This section of the guide discusses sexual assault, violence, and murder.

The family homes of Nina and Jake, Christian and Lily, and Nina’s mother symbolize the respective family values and expectations each character places concerning patriarchal gender roles. Each home represents a divide in Appearance Versus Reality in Marriage.

Jake and Nina’s home represents how the couple operates within patriarchally defined gender roles. The house exudes wealth, giving the impression that a happy, successful couple occupies it. In reality, Jake and Nina are anything but happy. Jake is uncompromising and controlling in all parts of his marriage to Nina, including the design of their house and the possessions they keep. For example, Jake insists on keeping a firearm—a phallic symbol in itself of violence—in the house even when Nina objects. Jake expects Nina to sacrifice all other parts of her life to be at his beck and call when he arrives home, demonstrating Jake’s patriarchal view about heterosexual, cisgender married women. He dismisses Nina’s wants and needs, including her desire to have children. Even though their large, multi-bedroom home appears suitable for accommodating children, Jake prioritizes his career and values his material possessions over Nina’s happiness.