The Better Sister Cast Revealed: A Deep Dive Into The Star-Studded Psychological Thriller

The Better Sister has captivated audiences with its intense psychological drama and A-list ensemble cast since its debut on Prime Video. As of December 15, 2025, the limited series, an adaptation of Alafair Burke's bestselling novel, has become a major talking point, praised for its complex characters and shocking twists, especially the surprise finale death. The casting choices are a masterstroke, bringing together a lineup of veteran actors and rising stars to embody the story of two estranged sisters forced to confront their troubled past after a shocking murder in New York's elite circles.

This deep dive breaks down the stellar cast of the eight-episode thriller, exploring the complex roles they play in the high-stakes murder mystery and offering a look at their impressive careers that led them to this must-watch series.

The Central Conflict: Main Cast and Characters

The core of The Better Sister revolves around the fractured relationship between two women—the 'perfect' wife and the 'black sheep'—whose lives collide following a tragedy. The main cast expertly navigates this emotional minefield, creating a tense, character-driven narrative.

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• Jessica Biel as Chloe Taylor (Macintosh): Chloe is the seemingly flawless "better sister," living a privileged life in New York's high society as a successful book editor. Her world shatters when her husband is murdered and her teenage son is implicated. Biel, who also serves as an executive producer, portrays Chloe's desperate attempts to protect her family while maintaining her carefully constructed facade.
• Elizabeth Banks as Nicky Mackintosh: Nicky is the estranged sister, a former public defender who has struggled to get her life on track. She is the biological mother of Ethan, the son now caught in the middle of the murder investigation. Banks delivers a raw performance as Nicky, whose return to the family forces a reckoning with her past and her relationship with Chloe.
• Corey Stoll as Adam Macintosh: Adam is Chloe's wealthy and influential lawyer husband whose murder sets the entire plot in motion. He is a key figure in the mystery, with secrets that connect both sisters. Stoll, known for his formidable presence, plays the man at the center of the sisters' emotional and legal battle.
• Maxwell Acee Donovan as Ethan Macintosh: Ethan is Adam and Nicky's biological son, who was adopted and raised by Adam and Chloe. He is a teenage character caught in the devastating emotional tug-of-war between his two mothers, and his quiet anger is a major element of the series.

The dynamic between Biel’s polished, controlled Chloe and Banks’s more volatile, grounded Nicky is the engine of the series, drawing viewers into a complex family drama that transcends the typical murder mystery genre.

The Investigative and Legal Players: Supporting Cast

The investigation into Adam Macintosh’s death introduces a formidable array of supporting characters—from seasoned detectives to powerful lawyers—who add layers of legal and procedural tension to the show.

The Detectives

• Kim Dickens as Detective Nancy 'Nan' Guidry: Dickens portrays the lead police detective investigating the murder in the Hamptons. Guidry is immediately suspicious of the high-society family, bringing a morally compromised yet sharp perspective to the case. Dickens treasured the reunion with creatives who worked on Deadwood, highlighting the quality of the production.
• Bobby Naderi as Detective Matt Bowen: Bowen is Guidry's police partner, offering a more unpolished and direct approach to the murder investigation. Naderi's character plays a crucial role in the unfolding mystery, providing a contrast to the elite world they are investigating.

The Power Brokers and Lawyers

• Lorraine Toussaint as Catherine Lancaster: Catherine is Chloe’s boss and mentor in the publishing world, described as an elegant, calculating "queen maker." Toussaint brings her veteran presence to this role, showcasing a character who is both powerful and potentially vulnerable.
• Gloria Reuben as Michelle Sanders: Michelle is the well-respected, high-powered lawyer that Chloe calls upon to represent her son, Ethan, in the murder case. Reuben, best known for her Emmy-nominated role on ER, adds significant gravitas to the legal aspects of the thriller.
• Matthew Modine as Bill Braddock: Modine plays one of the founding partners at Adam’s law firm. Braddock is portrayed as a charismatic and slightly unpredictable figure in New York's high society, often attending social outings with Chloe.
• Gabriel Sloyer as Jake Rodriguez: Sloyer, known for his roles in Narcos and Inventing Anna, plays Jake Rodriguez, a colleague and friend within Adam’s professional sphere, whose presence further complicates the legal and social dynamics.

A Who's Who of the Cast: Career Highlights and Entity Authority

The casting for The Better Sister is a strategic move to establish topical authority, leveraging the star power and reputation of actors known for their work in prestige television and film. The series’ success is built on the foundation of these established careers.

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Jessica Biel: From Teen Drama to Thriller Producer

Jessica Biel began her career as a vocalist before landing the breakout role of Mary Camden in the long-running family drama series 7th Heaven. Her transition to film included roles in the critically acclaimed drama Ulee's Gold, and she later cemented her place in the thriller genre as both a star and producer on the award-winning series The Sinner. Her work on The Better Sister continues her focus on complex, character-driven psychological thrillers.

Elizabeth Banks: Comedy Icon and Directorial Force

Elizabeth Banks is a versatile actress, director, and producer. She is instantly recognizable for her role as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games franchise and her recurring, Emmy-nominated role as Avery Jessup on the sitcom 30 Rock. Banks has also proven herself behind the camera, directing major studio films such as Pitch Perfect 2 and Cocaine Bear. Her portrayal of the 'black sheep' Nicky is a powerful return to a dramatic, leading role.

Corey Stoll: The Political and Cinematic Heavyweight

Corey Stoll is an actor celebrated for his intense, nuanced performances. He is perhaps best known for his breakout role as U.S. Representative Peter Russo in the first season of the Netflix political thriller series House of Cards, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. In film, he has taken on major roles in blockbusters, including the villain Darren Cross/Yellowjacket in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Ant-Man.

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Veteran Talents: Dickens, Toussaint, and Modine

The supporting cast brings decades of experience to the limited series, enhancing its prestige:

• Kim Dickens: A veteran of genre television, Dickens is best known for her leading role as Madison Clark in the AMC horror drama Fear the Walking Dead. She also had memorable roles in the HBO Western series Deadwood and the film Gone Girl.
• Lorraine Toussaint: Toussaint's career is marked by critically acclaimed television roles, most notably as the formidable villain Vee in the second season of Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, and her lead role in the drama series Any Day Now.
• Matthew Modine: A cinematic icon, Modine’s most famous roles include Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick's classic war film Full Metal Jacket and the mysterious Dr. Martin Brenner in the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things.

The collective star power and proven dramatic range of The Better Sister cast—from the core conflict between the sisters (Chloe and Nicky) to the legal and investigative entities (Detective Guidry, Matt Bowen, Michelle Sanders, Catherine Lancaster)—ensures that this Prime Video adaptation delivers a compelling, high-stakes experience that honors the source material by Alafair Burke while providing a fresh, modern take on the psychological thriller genre.