(spoiler free)
After the critical acclaim of Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, comes her next on-screen novel adaptation, ‘Alias Grace’. Finding a home on Netflix, ‘Alias Grace’ narrates a haunting and captivating real-life story of an Irish servant who was found guilty for murdering her master and mistress and imprisoned. Based on her 1996 novel, Atwood explores the real-life events of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) and her turbulent journey from Ireland to Canada.
The Netflix mini-series explores the life of Grace Marks through the character’s narration via flashbacks and sessions with her therapist, Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft). The bits and pieces of Grace’s story are delivered piece-by-piece, day-by-day as she reflects on the events that brought her to present day. This unique form of narrative reflects deeply in the series as Grace is shown knitting a quilt, piece-by-piece, day-by-day.
‘Alias Grace’ dove into the mystery of Grace Marks’ involvement with the murders of Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross) and Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin). The series explored much of what remains a mystery to this day, whether or not Grace had a hand in these murders, was psychologically unstable, and if the events as depicted by history, are truthful. By the end of the series, viewers will find themselves grappling with more questions than they had initially.
Sarah Gadon, who channels the stereotypes, social environment, and expectations of that time, executes the character of Grace Marks phenomenally. Her portrayal of Grace Marks is unbelievable as she tackles a complex woman with emotions ranging from psychotic to innocent to naive all in one sitting. Watching Gadon throughout the series helps the viewer resonate with who Grace Marks might have been, and at times creates empathy for a possible murderess.
The story of Grace Marks is incomplete without the involvement of Dr. Simon Jordan who devotes time and energy into proving Grace’s mental state. Along the way, the doctor finds himself perplexed, intrigued, and frustrated over the reality of Grace’s past. As Grace reveals her story, the doctor struggles to make connections and sense of whether or not she is lying or if she has accepted an alternate reality as truth. Dr. Simon Jordan is played by Edward Holcroft who depicts the truest form of psychiatry, of that time, in a convincing and haunting way.
The chilling story of Alias Grace is brought to life by amazing direction (Mary Harron), writing (Sarah Polley), and brilliant camerawork that added to the complex, psychological allure of this drama. Supporting performers Anna Paquin, Paul Gross, Zachary Levi, and many more helped contribute to the plot and overall dynamic of the show, giving it the extra “oomph” it needed to deliver the story. The evocatively written story by Margaret Atwood is done justice with the on-screen adaptation of ‘Alias Grace’. The series bravely encompasses elements ranging from race, sex, poverty, mental health, and oppression in the Victorian time period of 18th century Canada.
While we may still speculate over some details in the overall narrative, ‘Alias Grace’ will always be a reminder and a letter of understanding into who Grace Marks may have been, and for that, we thank Margaret Atwood.
Written by Ariba Bhuvad
Rating – 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Margaret Atwood novel?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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