The Netflix platform never ceases to release original creations, often good surprises, and the new series Alias Grace (Captive in French version) is what can be called a great success. The series is based on a book by Margaret Atwood, the novelist behind The Handmaid's Tale, whose serial adaptation was a huge success. Short of six episodes, it is for the moment the nugget of the month of November on Netflix! Check out our spoiler-free review of Alias Grace below.
In 1843, Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant to Canada, was charged with the murder of her employers Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery. The problem is that Grace has no memory of the hours of the murder and therefore does not know herself whether she is guilty or innocent. The people need someone responsible for this crime, so a doctor is sent to her to make her speak and try to revive her memory.
A foolproof cast
Sometimes the cast of a series is so perfect that it seems obvious and it would seem foolish to want to do otherwise. Get ready, this is the case for Alias Grace. In the lead role of Grace Marks, we find Sarah Gadon (11.22.63) who captivates us in an instant, draws us into her story and impresses us at every glance. She is more than credible in this role of servant looking innocent and naive, and it happens very often that the rest of the series goes into the background as her interpretation of a character as complex as Grace is bluffing. 
Opposite her is Edward Holcroft (Kingsman: Secret Service) as Simon Jordan, a doctor determined to dig into Grace's memories. Extremely touching, this very empathetic character asks the questions that the viewer asks himself and is therefore, indirectly, the one with whom it may be easier to identify.
Among the characters who haunt Grace Marks' past, the cast is still as good as ever. Rebecca Liddiard (Slasher) is Mary Whitney, a maid who will change our heroine's life; Paul Gross (Republic of Doyle) is Thomas Kinnear and Anna Paquin (True Blood) is his governess, Nancy Montgomery, and both are therefore the victims of the murder of which Grace is accused. We can also find Zachari Levi, Kerr Logan, and even David Cronenberg (director of The Shadow Promises) who offers himself the role of a reverend. A very rich, talented cast and above all an excellent choice for each of the characters.
An amazing story that gives women a voice
The credit goes of course to Margaret Atwood, the novelist behind Alias Grace, who told real facts to build this story. But as far as the scriptwriting is concerned, it's up to the director of the series, Sarah Polley, who should be thrown flowers! We let ourselves be carried away in the meanders of Grace's memories, hoping ourselves to discover, before the last episode, if the latter is guilty or not. Each scene immerses the viewer a little more in the daily life of this servant of the 1840s and we find a desire to highlight the oppression suffered by women at that time and even in general. The series addresses other themes that are, even today, at the heart of debates, such as immigration, abortion, or the abuse of power. Many will find, in one of the facets of the series, a frightening parallel with the current movement of exposure of the many harassment and abuse of which women are victims, because of their gender. In addition to transporting us, Alias Grace makes us think and, honestly, it feels really good.
A determined director
We can't fail to say it enough: this is a success for Sarah Polley. But did you know that the idea of adapting Margaret Atwood's novel to the cinema had been in his head for many years? Indeed, the director discovered the novel Alias Grace at the age of 17 and was so bewitched by the story that she sent a letter to the novelist asking for the rights to make a film, which was refused. At the time, Polley was known in Canada for being the child star of the Disney Channel series Tales of Avonlea . Today, the director is 38 years old and finally releases, in collaboration with Netflix is one of the most influential streaming platforms of the moment, her adaptation of Alias Grace. Like what, everything comes at the right time to those who know how to wait!
At JustFocus, we fell in love with Alias Grace. With the exception of some slowness in some episodes, the series seems irreproachable as it has convinced its audience so quickly. The series has been available on Netflix since November 3. To discover as soon as possible!
