Uma Família Perfeita

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!

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 was hesitant to check this show out because of the reviews, but I'm so glad I did. It is suspenseful, heartfelt at times, and you can't help but feel for all parties involved.

Ellen Pompeo is great in her role and so is Mike Duplass.

Imogen Faith Reid is fantastic - she is convincing in her role. At first you want to feel bad for her, then you are afraid of what she is going to do next.

I have read that this is loosely based off of a true story. I think a lot of people are trying to focus on the inconsistencies between the series and reality. Since I don't know much about the real story, my advice is to watch this show without comparing it against what it is loosely based off.

I will say, I started off agreeing with all of the other comments and reviews, however my perspective is starting to change following episode 5. I am not sure what they are doing and how they will continue to present this storyline, but I am VERY intrigued.

Initially it starts off following Ellen Pompeo's perspective as the mom, but now I think it's turning and starting to following Natalia Grace's perspective. It's an interesting state of production though because you really can't tell what's perspective and what's real life- I guess that's true for everything and this story is doing an excellent job of creating that!

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.