Hulu’s Stunning New Show, “The Act”

“The Act,” a new true crime anthology series produced by Hulu, premiered on March 20, 2019. The first season is based on the real life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. A documentary entitled “Mommy Dead and Dearest” features the same story and is available on HBO. Dee Dee Blanchard was accused of abusing her daughter by fabricating illness and disabilities as a result of her own mental illness, related to Munchhausen syndrome by proxy.

“The Act” features Patricia Arquette and Joey King as the principle characters, with a strong supporting cast, including Chloe Sevigny. As the story goes, Gypsy Blanchard, confined to a wheelchair and forced to use a feeding tube, is cared for by her overprotective mother. As Gyspy ages and becomes aware of the lack of medical necessity of her treatments, she rebels against her mother. Arquette’s depiction of Dee Dee’s controlling, abusive, and protective attitude in response is haunting to watch. The relationship turns further toxic when Gypsy realizes that not only does she not need her wheelchair, but she’s not sick whatsoever. Dee Dee has successfully duped neighbors, friends, family, medical professionals, and Gypsy herself. As the viewer watches these emotions wash over King’s face, a more chilling feeling sets in as Gypsy begins looking for a way out of her circumstances.

Calum Worthy plays Nick Godejohn, Gypsy’s boyfriend she meets on a Christian dating website. Their relationship, while entirely digital, becomes very deep and intimate quickly. After cooking up a scheme to meet in person for the first time, the undercover plan doesn’t go well, and Dee Dee becomes suspicious of Nick. This reality further isolates Gypsy, who determines there’s only one way out; Nick has help her murder her mother.

“The Act,” convincingly told and compelling to watch, will conclude this Wednesday with the final episode of the season. Beautifully shot with pink, purple, and light blue hues, the visual story is strikingly well-crafted. Although a disclaimer suggests that parts of the story have been dramatized, those familiar with the tale will find it true to real life.