4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans all say same thing about 'jewel' of a period drama with 'one complaint'
A Netflix fan has hailed a historical fiction series as a "jewel", with the show being rated 4.8/5 by viewers
Alias Grace has captured audiences with its dark and compelling narrative of the infamous 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper, earning praise for being "dark" and "riveting".
The short series, Alias Grace, thrilled viewers with its serpentine plot and Sarah Gadon's "excellent" portrayal of a convicted murderer. The Canadian production, led by director Mary Harron, delves into the 19th-century scandal and is adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name.
It unravels as Grace Marks, the imprisoned protagonist, recounts her life from her immigration from Ireland to working as a maid in Canada to the psychologist evaluating her after being jailed for 15 years. With her alleged accomplice James McDermott executed and her memory of the slayings unclear, the series encapsulates the enigma surrounding her confession.
As Grace narrates her past during the psychiatric sessions, we're transported back in time to witness the horrific crimes and subsequent trial through flashbacks. The story threads together her treacherous voyage from Ireland, the intimate friendships she formed, her struggles with mental health and the path that led to the murders, while her doctor becomes peculiarly fixated on her.
Enthusiasts have expressed their acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes, with one saying: "Very beautiful from start to finish! I am blown away by Sarah Gadon's manifestation of Grace. The storyline is so powerful, soul-stirring and evocative! I hope they make more films or series like this," reports Surrey Live.
Another review read: "Fascinating and riveting... the acting was five stars. Finished it last night and still thinking about it. I don't care about an more of these top-notch films should be shown."
Despite its roots in historical events, the creators took creative liberties, inserting the figure of Dr. Simon Jordan, portrayed by Edward Holcroft. His character not only drives the plot but also highlights the zeitgeist of the 1800s, a period when perceptions of mental health were evolving and there was a growing discourse on treating inmates as patients rather than mere prisoners.
This portrayal particularly resonated with audiences, with one viewer writing: "In the show's best moments, it's about something darker and more complicated; about how there's things we'll do for the sake of ourselves and things we'll do for the sake of those we love, but when both are on the table, dangerous doors swing open."
Whereas another commented: "Although it may not have so much visual strength, there are some quite inspired moments that help 'Alias Grace' to be a jewel that deserves to be discovered."
Yet despite universal acclaim, fans share a common lament – there simply isn't enough of the series to fully satisfy their binge-watching desires.
The programme, which first aired in 2017, appears to have been designed as a single series offering, particularly as several of Margaret Atwood's adaptations have made their way onto our screens, such as the acclaimed Handmaid's Tale. An enthusiast commented: "My only complaint is that there are only 6 episodes!"
For those eager to explore the "haunting" domain fashioned from Margaret Atwood's imaginings by screenwriter Sarah Polley, Alias Grace is currently accessible to stream on Netflix.
