Watch Alias Grace

Alias Grace is a six-part miniseries based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name that first aired on Canada's CBC network in 2017. The show is a historical drama that is set in the mid-19th century and tells the story of Grace Marks, a real-life character who was accused and convicted of murder.

The series stars Canadian actress Sarah Gadon as Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant who works as a domestic servant in Upper Canada in the 1840s. Edward Holcroft plays Dr. Simon Jordan, a progressive psychiatrist who is brought in to examine Grace and determine whether she is sane enough to stand trial for the murders of her employer Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery.

Other notable cast members include Zachary Levi, who plays Kinnear's ambitious and manipulative stable hand, James McDermott, who is also accused of the murders; David Cronenberg, who plays Reverend Verringer, a member of the committee trying to exonerate Grace; and Paul Gross, who plays Chief Constable George Ramsay, the lead investigator in the case. Anna Paquin also appears in a smaller role as Nancy Montgomery, Kinnear's mistress.

The show is directed by Mary Harron, who is best known for directing the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel American Psycho. The series was written by Sarah Polley, a Canadian actress and filmmaker who premiered the show at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2017.

The series is set in a time when women had few rights and were largely subject to male authority. Grace, who is just 16 when she is accused of the murders, is portrayed as a victim of circumstances who has endured sexual abuse, poverty, and extreme emotional trauma. Gadon's performance is particularly nuanced as she conveys both Grace's youthful innocence and her darker, more complex psychological makeup.

The show explores themes such as class, gender, power, and mental health, with a particular focus on the ways in which women like Grace were marginalized and oppressed. Dr. Jordan's interactions with Grace are particularly fascinating as he grapples with his own biases and assumptions about women and their capabilities.

The production design of the show is also noteworthy, as it brings to life the squalor and degradation of mid-19th century Canada. The costumes, too, are meticulously crafted and add another layer of authenticity to the show's historical setting.

Overall, Alias Grace is a gripping and thought-provoking series that is sure to appeal to fans of historical dramas, crime thrillers, and feminist literature. While the show is dark, it is also emotionally resonant and is ultimately a testament to the resilience of women in the face of adversity.

Alias Grace is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 25, 2017 and on CBC (CA)