In the midst of a generational obsession with true crime tv shows and movies, Hulu tapped into this phenomenon and released a brand new show, “The Act” on March 20.
With one episode released every Wednesday, breaking the typical streaming platform format of an entire season being released at once, “The Act” effortlessly builds anticipation and creates a more interesting fan base. This stark contrast from “binge culture” almost feels reminiscent of the golden era of television and is gaining attention on social media.
This season is an adaptation of a 2016 Buzzfeed article by Michelle Dean, and spans for eight episodes. “The Act” has plans to become an anthology series and follow a different true crime story every season.
The first season of “The Act” follows the true crime case of Gypsy and Dee Dee Blanchard.
Played respectively by Joey King and Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette, these two talented actresses perfectly represent the dysfunction that stems from the complicated mother-daughter dynamic of Gypsy and Dee Dee and are earning stellar reviews in the process.
Dee Dee Blanchard suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP,) “which generally is characterized by attention-seeking behavior from a primary caregiver, typically a mother.” People who have MSBP will make up symptoms and frequently unnecessarily take their children to the doctor.
When watching the show, the audience has no trouble sensing Dee Dee’s MSBP. Camera shots of rows upon rows of prescription pills and Gypsy walking unassisted without her “necessary” wheelchair are enough to confirm suspicions that something is off about Dee Dee’s story.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is Dee Dee’s daughter and the subject of her attention. After years of being the victim of her mother’s disorder, Gypsy conspired with an online boyfriend to kill her mom, Dee Dee. “The Act” follows this complete timeline, with some events and characters dramatized. The audience is almost forced ponder the moral question of whether Gypsy was justified in conspiring to kill her mother after seeing the horrific experiences she experienced.
Hulu effortlessly constructs this story to be addicting and obsessing. Each episode leaves you wanting more, and the timeline is perfectly constructed to be able to dive into the details and every moment in this true crime anthology, leaving the audience satisfied. It will be interesting to see how this series shapes the future of the crime genre in television history.
Episodes are available to stream on Hulu today.
Watch the trailer here.
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