Hulu's new drama series, Good American Family, has captivated audiences since its recent debut, telling the poignant story of Natalia Grace (played by Imogen Faith Reid), a child with dwarfism who faced harrowing challenges after being adopted by Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass). Initially excited about their adoption, the Barnetts' relationship with Natalia takes a dark turn as they abandon her, claiming she was an adult masquerading as a child.
Set against the backdrop of a heart-wrenching true story, the series examines the complexities surrounding adoption and identity, specifically focusing on the historical backdrop from 2012 when the Barnetts legally changed Natalia’s age and subsequently claimed her adult status. This shocking premise has resonated with viewers, leading to a buzz across social media and prompting many to engage in discussions about the portrayal of such delicate subjects.
In addition to the gripping narrative of Good American Family, fans are encouraged to explore the 2009 psychological horror film Orphan, which offers an intriguing parallel. The film's plot revolves around a couple who adopt a nine-year-old girl following the tragic loss of their unborn child, only to discover that their new daughter's past is shrouded in mystery, much like the Barnetts' account with Natalia. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Orphan features Isabelle Fuhrman as the scheming Esther, alongside Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard as the couple attempting to bring her into their home.
Commercially successful, Orphan grossed $78.8 million worldwide from a modest $20 million budget, demonstrating its appeal to horror fans and leading to its cult-classic status. Viewers have responded enthusiastically with a current IMDb rating of 7.0 based on over 265,000 votes, assuring that it remains a staple in the realm of psychological thrillers. As an illustrative testament to its impact, one fan commented on Rotten Tomatoes, "It's a film that has not only stood the test of time, but continues to evoke a visceral physical and emotional response. That is the sign of a fantastic horror film."
Another enthusiastic review reads: "A devilishly good time with great character work and solid tension-building. Isabelle Fuhrman is a dynamite talent!" A different viewer praised the film, stating, "And by both satisfying expectations and providing a substantial surprise at the end, Orphan has rightfully become one of the most pleasurable and twisty thrillers from the last twenty years." The depth of characters and suspense throughout delivers a memorably thrilling experience for fans of the genre.
Following the success of Orphan, a prequel titled Orphan: First Kill was launched in 2022, extending the gripping narrative further into Esther’s backstory and adding a new layer to the established mythos.
Meanwhile, back to Good American Family, the reaction on social media has been mixed, forcing viewers to take sides on whether the drama does justice to the real-life case of Natalia Grace. A plethora of strong reactions was shared on X (formerly Twitter), where users articulated their thoughts. Some praised the show for its engaging storytelling, with one user writing, "This new show on Hulu 'Good American Family' is so good. I finished the first two episodes and I'm mad I have to wait until next week.” Others were less impressed, calling it "not worth it" and citing issues with acting quality.
As echoed in a review from The Hollywood Reporter, there is a discussion about whether the series truly innovates with the well-known Natalia Grace saga. The critique noted, "Maybe there is a version of the Natalia Grace saga that could cast a new light on an already extensively covered case, or simply add enough panache to make it feel worth revisiting again. Hulu’s Good American Family isn’t it."
Nonetheless, there is undeniable excitement surrounding Ellen Pompeo's portrayal of Kristine Barnett, who adopted Natalia when she was just seven years old in 2010. The show's first two episodes are now available for streaming, with a total of eight episodes slated for the first season.
As the conversations around Good American Family linger and evolve, the connections drawn between it and other notable films and series will likely prompt further viewership, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the realities of adoption, identity, and the complexities of family.
With Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms churning out content at an incredible rate, Good American Family represents a blend of true crime storytelling infused with emotional depth, sure to leave viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
