Watch The Girl From Plainville

The Girl From Plainville is a gripping drama series starring Elle Fanning, Colton Ryan, and Chloë Sevigny that premiered on Hulu in 2022. The show is based on the true story of Michelle Carter, a teenager from Massachusetts who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging her boyfriend to commit suicide through a series of text messages.

The series follows the life of high school student Michelle Carter, played by Fanning, who appears to have a normal life with a loving family and a close group of friends. However, as the story unfolds, we learn that Michelle is struggling with mental health issues and is constantly searching for a way to cope with her inner turmoil.

Enter Conrad Roy, played by Colton Ryan, a troubled teenager whom Michelle meets at a party. The two begin a complicated relationship comprised mainly of texting and phone calls, which culminates in Conrad's tragic suicide. The show examines the aftermath of the tragedy and the legal proceedings that followed, including the trial in which Michelle was found guilty of encouraging Conrad to take his own life.

Throughout the series, we see flashbacks of Michelle's life before and after Conrad's death, including her strained relationship with her mother and her own struggles with depression and anxiety. The show explores the complexities of mental health and examines how often it goes untreated or undetected in young populations.

Fanning delivers a powerful performance as Michelle Carter, portraying her with sensitivity and compassion. We are given a glimpse into her mind and understand the reasons behind her actions, even if we cannot condone them. Ryan is equally impressive as Conrad, vividly bringing the complexities of his character to life.

The show also features an outstanding supporting cast, including Chloë Sevigny as a local journalist who is investigating Conrad's death and is ultimately instrumental in uncovering the truth. The series is written and directed by Liz Garbus, a veteran documentary filmmaker, who brings a raw and authentic perspective to the material.

The Girl From Plainville is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking series that explores the complexities of mental health, young love, and the power of social media. The show raises important questions about the responsibility of technology companies and the legal system, while also serving as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for empathy and compassion.

The Girl From Plainville is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between March 29, 2022 and on Hulu