Netflix Picks to Binge-Watch Next: "Alias Grace" is A Haunting Tale

“I’ve already been judged, sir. Whatever you may think of me, it’s all the same.”

This adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s historical fiction novel Alias Grace is a tale viewers are sure to be haunted by days after watching.

The six-part mini-series follows Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), Irish immigrant and convicted murderess of her master, Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his home keeper, Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin). Set in 1843, this real-life case is told through the memories and/or false memories of Grace as her case is examined by Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft) who wants to know the truth, whatever it may be.

Like this year’s adaptation of Atwood’s famous novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace asks the viewer to ponder the role of society’s patriarchy, and how one young woman’s life could have been altered if not for the abuse and harsh realities of a woman’s life during this time. The story is a great topic of discussion—not merely of whether or not Grace is guilty of these crimes, but of the events, people, and human faults depicted. Memories, dreams, and the facts—how they are created and which of them can truly be believed. Do we protect ourselves by hiding the facts, or do we purposefully create the narrative we want others to believe? This is seen not only in Grace’s case, but all the characters, for all of them are creating a perception of themselves that may or may not be true.

Adapted by Sarah Polley and directed by Mary Harron, Alias Grace is great storytelling by talented women. Be sure to watch all six parts on Netflix now.