Throughout history, there have been infamous figures who have frequently captured the attention of filmmakers, resulting in numerous cinematic portrayals. Among these notorious personalities are Ted Bundy, known for his charming yet sinister demeanor; Ed Gein, whose gruesome acts inspired chilling horror stories; and Jeffrey Dahmer, whose horrific crimes continue to haunt the public imagination. However, a particularly intriguing character whose life story has inspired a dramatic series is Natalia Grace. For those who have yet to experience the riveting series “The Good American Family,” based on her astonishing tale, it promises a journey that is nothing short of jaw-dropping, leaving viewers both captivated and in disbelief at the unfolding narrative.
The Story Behind the Story
Natalia Grace, a young, orphaned girl from Ukraine, found what seemed to be a promising new life in America. Her journey, which began as a hopeful dream, swiftly transformed into a harrowing nightmare. Just two years after her initial adoption, she was returned by her adoptive family, a decision that marked the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in her life. It was after this return that the Barnette family entered Grace’s world. They adopted the young orphan, believing her to be a child of tender age, not yet having reached adolescence. As Forbes notes, she was thought to be merely six or seven years old at the time. However, the story took a dark and unexpected turn when the Barnette family later alleged that Natalia Grace was not the innocent child they believed her to be; they claimed she was malicious and, shockingly, not a child at all. This accusation ultimately led to her abandonment, creating a narrative ripe with drama and intrigue. Grace’s case, with its chilling undertones and unexpected revelations, seems ideally suited for cinematic storytelling.
Built-in Chills
The Good American Family weaves its narrative from this intriguing story. For those who have caught a glimpse of the trailer or watched the released episodes, it may evoke memories of the 2009 film “Orphan,” which bears a striking resemblance to these unfolding details. However, while Orphan draws inspiration from a different case, as noted by Screenrant, involving a 33-year-old Czech woman impersonating a 13-year-old boy, “The Good American Family” is rooted in real-life events surrounding the enigmatic Grace.
The Good and the Bad
This series artfully dramatizes genuine occurrences, with performances by Mark Duplass, Ellen Pompeo, and Imogen Faith Reed. Ellen Pompeo, known for her enduring role in the long-standing medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” portrays Mrs. Barnett, a determined and enterprising mother who uses her exceptional nurturing of her autistic son, propelling him to extraordinary success, earning her widespread recognition. Mark Duplass, well-known for his roles in the “Creep” franchise and “The Morning Show,” portrays Mr. Barnett, a man whose deep attachment to their adopted children borders on overstepping and blurring boundaries.
This story practically writes itself. To echo the sentiments of the legendary Alfred Hitchcock,
“There are three essentials for a great film: the script, the script, and the script.”
In this case, the screenplay—or teleplay—truly rescues this series. However, there is one factor that stymies the impact. And that is the acting.
Bleeding Over
The acting is varied. A particular challenge arises with Pompeo’s delivery in the first episode. Pompeo, who has achieved significant acclaim as Meredith Grey, has imbued that character with such depth that traces of it seem to spill over into this new role. This overlap creates a distraction, as it feels like we are watching Meredith Grey attempting to embody Mrs. Barrett. While the narrative itself is undeniably wild, certain aspects stretch believability to the limits. Viewers might find themselves exclaiming, “There’s no way the Barnetts are that clueless or tolerant.”
Grace Saves The Day
Grace’s character is so maniacal and ruthlessly driven that it propels the narrative forward, sparking an insatiable curiosity to discover what could possibly unfold next. Anyone with a penchant for insane stories rooted in real-life events should tune in to “The Good American Family,” currently streaming on Hulu. The series promises a captivating blend of drama and incredulity that keeps audiences on edge.
Uncut Diamonds 