Unbelievable: The Heartbreaking Netflix Crime Drama Perfect for Adolescence Fans
A heartbreaking Netflix crime drama miniseries, based on a true story, has been widely praised as an essential watch for fans of the popular series Adolescence. However, viewers are cautioned that its moving and intense storyline is not suited for those seeking light entertainment.
A Masterpiece with a Heavy Subject Matter
Social media and online forums have celebrated this masterpiece miniseries as an absolute favourite. The series delves into gritty and difficult themes, making it a heavy watch that is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Yet, it resonates strongly with audiences who enjoyed Adolescence on the streaming platform last year, offering a similarly compelling narrative depth.
Based on a True Story
Unbelievable first premiered on Netflix in 2019, featuring acclaimed actors Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever. The series is adapted from the 2015 news article An Unbelievable Story of Rape by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, which documented serial rape cases in Washington and Colorado between 2008 and 2011.
The plot centres on Marie Adler, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, who reports a sexual assault to the police only to face pressure to withdraw her statement. She is accused of attention-seeking and ultimately charged with filing a false report, highlighting systemic failures in handling such cases.
Simultaneously, the series follows two female detectives, Detective Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Detective Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), as they investigate a series of similar attacks and work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
Television fans have championed the show on platforms like Reddit, praising creators Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon for their sensitive and non-exploitative handling of the difficult subject matter. One viewer commented, Just finished Unbelievable on Netflix and it was really good! I love Toni Collette, and it had a great cast with strong female characters. The ending left me feeling satisfied.
Other commenters echoed this sentiment, noting that while the show is heavy, it never feels exploitative—a common pitfall in dramas based on real events. Fans particularly admired the conclusion of the eight-episode miniseries, describing it as satisfying and memorable, with one stating, It sticks with you after viewing.
Additional viewer reactions included:
- That one surprised me too. It's heavy but never feels exploitative, which is rare for that kind of story. Toni Collette has this grounded energy that makes everything feel real.
- I watched it when it first came out, and I loved it. I still remember how good the ending was!
- That was very good. I think Adolescence is my favourite of dramatised true crime, but Unbelievable was also heartbreaking and very well done.
- My absolute favourite series to date.
Impressive Ratings and Awards
Unbelievable boasts an impressive score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 98% approval rating from critics and 89% from audiences. The critical consensus describes the series as heartbreaking and powerful, commending the creators for treating the true story with grace and gravity.
The programme earned Toni Collette a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series in 2020. In October 2019, just one month after its broadcast, Netflix revealed that the series had been streamed a remarkable 32 million times, underscoring its widespread appeal and impact.
Unbelievable is currently available to watch on Netflix, offering a profound and gripping viewing experience for those ready to engage with its challenging yet important narrative.
