“Alias Grace” is a historical fiction book written by Margaret Atwood in 1996. In November of 2017, it was adapted into a series by Sarah Polley and Halfire Entertainment, then soon aired on Netflix. The story is based on a true double murder in Toronto, Canada in 1843.

One thing I love about Alias Grace is the long duration of all six episodes. Each part follows its own issue over Grace Mark’s murders without rushing along the plot. The first part introduces the audience to Mark and American doctor Simon Jordan. Part two dives into Mark’s history before the murder and her best friend Mary Whitney. In part three, Mark moves to Thomas Kinnear’s house as a housekeeper by the recommendation of Nancy Montgomery (Kinnear’s housekeeper and lover). Part four provides the viewers two different perspectives of the death of Kinnear and Montgomery. In part five, Dr. Jordan tries to discover why Mark can’t recall the same events of the murder as her accomplice James McDermott. Lastly, my favorite episode, part six reveals the truth of the murder with a major shocking plot twist. The 44 minutes per episode allows each part to be not confusing, extremely detailed, dramatic and sentimental. 

Another thing I love about Alias Grace is the way the writers decided to tell Mark’s story. The story takes place many years after the murder when Mark lives in an asylum. We learn more about her past when she shares her memories with Dr. Jordan. I love how the writers chose to write the series like this instead of having the murder be present time. It adds onto the mystery of the show. Since we only learn information from Mark’s memories, it makes the viewer understand how she felt and allows us to empathize with her.

Alias Grace is a swoon worthy series that entices its’ viewers. It is one of my favorite series of all time because it leaves the viewer wanting more. The show is only available on Netflix.