Netflix fans have been left 'completely hooked' by the period drama Alias Grace, a true crime series that 'messes with your brain.' The six-episode show transports viewers to 19th-century Canada, unfolding across two timelines: 1843, when an infamous double homicide occurs, and 16 years later, when a psychiatrist evaluates whether one of the convicted killers should be pardoned due to insanity.
True Story Behind the Series
The series revolves around the murders of Scottish gentleman farmer Thomas Kinnear and his pregnant housekeeper Nancy Montgomery in Canada. Housemaid Grace Marks and stablehand James McDermott were convicted of the crimes; McDermott was hanged, while Grace received a commuted life sentence. The pair continued to blame each other for the murders.
Based on Margaret Atwood's Novel
Not only is the 2017 CBC and Netflix production a true story, but it is also based on The Handmaid's Tale author Margaret Atwood's 1996 novel of the same name. Atwood explained to Virago: 'The book itself is 'pieced' like a quilt — with contrasting views — every faction at the time had their version of Grace. Demon or innocent? Even — tall or short? But in the gaps in the story — the places where evidence was not there or had gone missing — I felt free to invent.'
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reactions
One fan on IMDb praised it as 'an outstanding series, so well told and brilliantly acted.' Another described it as a 'perfect balance of beauty and horror,' while a third called it 'excellent' and 'not to be missed.' A fellow user hailed it as a 'killer show,' adding: 'The way the story messes with your brain is sooo good. It's not even fast or dramatic in a typical way, but it just pulls you in slowly and suddenly you're completely hooked.'
Cast and Characters
Wayward star Sarah Gadon takes on the role of Grace Marks, with Kingsman star Edward Holcroft as her psychiatrist Dr. Simon Jordan. CB Strikes' Kerr Logan portrays James McDermott, while Due South star Paul Gross and True Blood icon Anna Paquin play victims Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery, respectively.
Alias Grace is available to watch on Netflix.
