“Good American Family” is a compelling drama and crime limited series now streaming on Hulu. The series premiered on March 19 with a two-episode launch.
The series is inspired by the true story of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian girl with dwarfism adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2012. It explores the claims that Natalia was actually an adult posing as a child.
It’s important to note that “Good American Family” is not a documentary but a reenactment. The limited series consists of a total of eight episodes, with a new episode released every Tuesday at 9 p.m. PST, each averaging around 50 minutes in length.
The cast features notable performances, with Imogen Faith Reid portraying the character of Natalia Grace. Ellen Pompeo takes on the challenging role of Kristine Barnett, while Michael Barnett is portrayed by Mark Duplass.
In comparison to the documentary “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace,” also available on Hulu, “Good American Family” appears to villainize the victim (Natalia Grace) while downplaying the actions of the abusers (Kristine and Michael Barnett).
Presented from Kristine Barnett’s perspective, “Good American Family” implements cliffhangers at the end of each episode, effectively building anticipation for the next one. This weekly release strategy is a strong marketing approach, instead of releasing the entire series all at once. While the series incorporates flashbacks and flash-forwards that may cause minor confusion, viewers can generally follow the narrative without difficulty, and these shifts can ultimately enhance understanding. The series portrays the abuse of Natalia Grace, framing it in a way that suggests she deserved such treatment.
Ellen Pompeo delivers a compelling performance capturing Kristine’s confusion and frustration, and Imogen Faith Reid effectively portrays Natalia’s behavior and distress at her mistreatment.
Although the ending of the Hulu series is still unknown, it has already accumulated mixed reviews.
Despite potential inaccuracies when compared to the documentary, “Good American Family” is still recommended for its strong cast performances and engaging storyline.