The new Netflix psychological thriller The Beast in Me has viewers on the edge of their seats with its tense story of a grieving author and her mysterious neighbor. For five months, the production transformed neighborhoods across New Jersey into the setting for this cat-and-mouse drama. The series was filmed extensively across the state, using its varied landscapes to build a world of suburban wealth, institutional power, and hidden secrets.
The Story Behind the Scenes
The Beast in Me follows acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs, played by Claire Danes, who is struggling with writer’s block after the tragic death of her son. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Nile Jarvis, a real estate tycoon once suspected in his wife’s disappearance, moves in next door. Matthew Rhys portrays the enigmatic Nile, with Brittany Snow as his current wife, Nina. The series unfolds as Aggie becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her new neighbor, putting herself in potential danger.
Production for the eight-episode series began in September 2024 and continued through late January 2025. Rather than using soundstages in Hollywood, the creators chose to film entirely on location to give the story a more authentic feel. The production team utilized numerous cities and counties across New Jersey, with some additional filming in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The Primary New Jersey Filming Locations
Most of the filming took place across several New Jersey counties, each providing distinct backdrops for the thriller’s narrative.
Monmouth County served as a primary filming base, with the borough of Red Bank hosting significant production activity. Located along the Navesink River, this area provided the perfect setting for the show’s affluent neighborhood. The production team transformed an entire block of East and West Front Street for filming. Local establishments were redressed for the series, including JR’s restaurant at 17 West Front Street, which became Roberto’s Pizzeria in the show. The 26 West On The Navesink and the Molly Pitcher Inn on Riverside Avenue also appear in several scenes.
Essex County provided both natural beauty and urban grit to the series. The production utilized Branch Brook Park in Newark, known for having the largest collection of Japanese flowering cherry trees in the United States. The park’s scenic beauty offered a striking contrast to the darker themes of the story. Additional Newark locations included the National Newark Building on Broad Street, 33 Washington Street, and Unique Design Menswear on Branford Place. The township of Belleville also hosted filming, along with Carewell Health Medical Center in East Orange and Essex County Airport in Fairfield.
Hudson County offered a more metropolitan atmosphere for scenes requiring a busier urban feel. Jersey City locations included 480 Washington Boulevard, Montgomery Street between Greene and Hudson streets, and a parking lot on Morgan Street. The production also used Mana Contemporary on Newark Avenue and ShopRite Liquors at 400 Marin Boulevard. Beyond Jersey City, the team filmed at G. Thomas DiDomenico 16th Street Park in Bayonne and various locations in Kearny, including Bib’s Auto Parts and the Hudson County Correctional Center.
Supporting Locations Across New Jersey
The filming scope extended to several other New Jersey counties, each contributing unique elements to the visual storytelling.
In Middlesex County, the crew filmed at Hazelwood Cemetery in Colonia and Old Bridge Waterfront Park in South Amboy. Passaic County locations included the former Toys “R” Us headquarters in Wayne and the Former North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa. Union County provided Tamaques Park in Westfield, which served as a setting for private moments that explore the characters’ grief and emotional struggles.
The cinematographer, Lyle Vincent, explained the visual approach: “We looked at a lot of movies by Gordon Willis and Pakula from the ’70s for the film aesthetic.” Despite initial plans to shoot on 35mm film, the team used digital cameras to emulate a classic celluloid look, employing specific lighting techniques to create the thriller’s moody atmosphere.
The Visual Style of the Series
The creators of The Beast in Me aimed for a distinctive visual style that would complement the psychological tension of the story. The cinematography draws inspiration from 1970s noir films, using symmetrical compositions and careful lighting control to create a dark, moody atmosphere that lets scenes sometimes fall almost to black.
“We wanted to shoot on film initially, and made a big pitch to do that, but it didn’t end up going through,” said cinematographer Lyle Vincent.
Instead of using typical over-the-shoulder shots, the directors often placed the camera directly in front of actors to highlight their performances. This technique is particularly effective with Claire Danes, whose expressive acting carries significant emotional weight in the series. The crew also used split diopter lenses to manipulate focus and create tension in shared spaces.
Beyond New Jersey: North Carolina Connections
While the majority of filming occurred in New Jersey, the production also included work in Raleigh, North Carolina. The city provided establishing shots and additional scenery, with landmarks like the North Carolina State University Memorial Belltower potentially appearing in the background of scenes. This isn’t the first time Claire Danes has filmed in the area, as her previous series Homeland also shot episodes in North Carolina.
The combination of New Jersey’s diverse locations and North Carolina’s landmarks created the complete visual world of The Beast in Me. From the wealthy streets of Red Bank to the corporate atmosphere of Newark’s business district, each location was carefully selected to enhance the story’s themes of obsession, power, and mystery.
The attention to location detail helps create a believable world where a grieving author might become dangerously curious about her neighbor. As Aggie pieces together the truth about Nile, the various settings—from peaceful parks to imposing buildings—reflect her journey into increasingly dangerous territory.
All eight episodes of The Beast in Me are now available to stream on Netflix.
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