Uma Família Perfeita

I'm on episode 5. When they dropped the adopted off at her own place and to see her struggle was unsettling. Total transparency. I have abandonment issues from childhood. To see her in that element was cringing to me. So far the series is intense. I couldn't finish the episode as of yet. To get that type of reaction from the audience is amazing. Unfortunately there isn't anything warm hearted about the show. I think the acting is convincing. The actor playing the "dwarf", is convincing. I never watched Grey's Anatomy, but the lead actress has this gravitational pull. She draws you in and very unpredictable.

Wanted to like this. For the most part, I'm unconvinced by the characterizations, which are in need of nuance. I was hoping to see a fresh role for Pompeo, but her delivery is similar to her longtime performance in "Grey's Anatomy". Same voice, similar expressions, and convenient charms. Some of the emotional transitions for Duplass feel rushed and formulaic. Considering that I'm having challenges early on, I'm reminded that this series will endure for 8 episodes. The script feels flimsy, and it's disappointing because the real life story is intriguing. It's hard to know what really happened behind closed doors in the Barnett household after they adopted Natalia Grace. As a result, we're presented with some scenarios which don't ring true. Finally, a quick tech note: the score for this series is heavy handed. When the production wants the viewer to feel threatened or sentimental, the music works overtime to make sure we get the gist.

I started thinking that I could predict where this was going based on the blurb and a couple of episodes I'd watched...and I was SO wrong.

If you really pay attention (put the phone down!) and give this the time to play out through the episodes, the story unfolds and personally I loved the way it was filmed as it truly got such an emotional response out of me. I was surprised at the story and my whole opinion of characters changed as the episodes played out. The way in which it's filmed is a credit to helping tailor your connection with each character.

I don't want to give spoilers so you can enjoy it too!

Years ago I watched Kendall Rae cover this case on her YouTube channel and was blown away by the entire story. The first two episodes of GAF have hooked my interest in much the same way.

Ellen Pompeo never disappoints and is playing her part meticulously well, but I'm also impressed with Imogen Reid's depiction of Natalia Grace. The fluctuations between vulnerable, innocent child, seeking love, and unhinged (potentially older) woman seeking to cause relational rifts in the family, are enough to give the viewer whiplash.

I also want to give kudos on the casting of Jacob (Aias Dalman), an actually autistic actor, who is playing his role superbly too. As an autistic person myself, I love to see autistic actors getting these opportunities.

At two episodes in, I am most certainly committed to the rest of the series. Knowing the case, I have some idea of how things will go, but I'm sure there will still be surprises. I'm looking forward to seeing this unfold.

I am not understanding the negative reviews. Clearly people did not watch the entire series. The episodes are from varying perspectives. Some claim it seems fake...well it is a show and is focused on entertainment. I has no idea that this was based on a true story. Tragic is the best way to describe this. This child has hone through a lot as well as the family. It was great to see Ellen Pompeo and a bright young actress you plays Natalie. She did an incredible job! This series is also insightful in how disabled children may be put through the system harming them and the families. I do not want to state or analyze much to avoid spoilers.