The Act: The Complete Limited Series Blu-ray Review
“The Act” is one of the best Hulu series.
Based on a true story, 2019’s 8 episode limited Hulu series “The Act” revolves around a mother (Dee Dee Blanchard) and daughter (Gypsy-Rose Blanchard). The series (which spans several years and jumps around in time) begins with the two moving to Missouri. Dee Dee acts as an overbearing caregiver for her daughter who suffers from several serious medical conditions. Or so we think. It turns out, Dee Dee has been lying to everyone (including doctors and her own daughter) about her daughter’s health and has been purposefully making her sick for a myriad of reasons that are discovered over the course of the series. Gypsy, meanwhile, is becoming frustrated with life as she is sheltered from the real world and is controlled by her mother. As Gypsy begins to act out and do things on her own like meeting a guy (Nick) online, tensions begin to boil over between Dee Dee and Gypsy. Elsewhere in the series are plots involving neighbors (Mel and her daughter Lacey), the Blanchard family’s past, and a court case.
Nowadays there is an overabundance of true crime stories in television and film, but “The Act” stands apart from the majority. This is one of those stories that gets crazier and crazier the more it unfolds. It’s the type of disturbing story that you can’t believe is real. It feels more like some deranged soap opera and yet it’s not. It’s a dark coming-of-age biodrama about lies, family, murder, and the dark side of humanity. Once you start the first episode you’re bound to be hooked until the end as you have to see how it plays out. It’s that addicting of a show and a story. It’s also a credit to the work of show creators/writers Nick Antosca and Michelle Dean and the rest of the writing staff as well.
“The Act” is made better by an all-star cast. Joey King has never been better as Gypsy. It’s a completely transformative performance. She changes her voice, her looks, her mannerisms, etc. It’s easily one of the most underrated performances of the past few years. Oscar winner Patricia Arquette is equally stunning here as the unstable mother Dee Dee. Anytime Arquette and King share scenes it’s nothing short of electric. The supporting cast here is also on point with Chloe Sevigny, Callum Worthy, and AnnaSophia Robb turning in memorable performances.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: B+
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+
No extras have been included.
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