Ellen Pompeo steps into unfamiliar territory with her new dramatic role inGood American Family, offering a departure from her lovableGrey’s Anatomycharacter and hearkening back to a 2009 horror classic. Hulu’s new true-crime series afterThe Act,The Girl From Plainville, andCandy, adapts the real-life case of Natalia Grace, a girl with dwarfism who was accused of lying about her age by her adoptive parents. LeadingGood American Family’s cast, Pompeo plays Kristine Barnett, who goes from model mother to questionable caregiver, as she is relentless in her efforts to find out the truth.
On the brink ofGrey’s Anatomy’s season 22confirmation, and amid hints of her return, the actress' limited series presents the perfect opportunity to spice up her acting career without committing to another long-term role.Good American Family’s first two episodes can now bestreamed on Hulu, offering an exciting watch for both true-crime enthusiasts and Pompeo fans. Best known as the beloved Meredith Gray,Pompeo takes a risky leap into a villainous role that challenges perceptions, in a project that puts a spin on the real case and the 2009 film that preceded it.
Good American Family Is Ellen Pompeo’s First Post-Grey’s Anatomy Show & It’s A Completely Different Role
Pompeo Embodies A Villainous But Worried Mother Based On A Real Person
Ellen Pompeo’s first TV role afterGrey’s Anatomyends her exclusive run with the show, where she starred for 18 seasons and made cameos in three more. InA Good American Family,she portrays a Midwestern wife and devoted motherwho believes she was “put on this earth to build a world where all kids can feel safe.” At first glance, Kristine Barnett appears to share Meredith’s caring nature and sharp observational skills. However, if the limited series' title is any indication, the so-called “Good American Family” at its center may not be as good as it seems.
Good American Family Trailer: Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo Leads A Very Different Kind Of Drama
The Good American Family trailer highlights Ellen Pompeo in an intense Hulu miniseries, which is very different from her stint on Grey’s Anatomy.
Pompeo discussed the challenges of going from being the face of one of thebest medical dramasto jumping to a true crime drama, especially as her new character is widely viewed as the villain of the real story. She admitted, “I have a lot to prove.” (viaVanity Fair) The actress also spoke of the struggles to honor her character’s motivations while trying to avoid relying on real-life references.It’s undoubtedly a bold move, marking a significant departure from the chaotic and intelligent Meredith Gray, who’s so beloved by Pompeo’s fans.
Good American Family’s Story Is Very Similar To The 2009 Horror Movie Orphan
Orphan Precedes The Natalia Grace Case, Which Good American Family Is Based On
Good American Family’s similarities to the 2009 horror hitOrphanare striking, which could lead audiences to draw mistaken assumptions. Though different in genre, the narratives followan American family who adopts a European girl with dwarfism — only to suspect she is actually an adult womanposing as a child. Albeit some key differences, such as the number of biological children the families have (three boys vs. one girl and one boy), and their reasons for adopting (desire to do good vs. grief), both sets of parents eventually fear this new family member threatens their lives.
Natalia Grace herself has claimed her adoptive mother was influenced by the horror film, using it to sustain her suspicions and allegations that she was lying and threatening to harm her family.
Inspired by thereal-life 2019 case of Natalia Grace,Good American Familysees the Barnetts subject their adoptive daughter to medical tests as they fight to have her legal age changed before abandoning her. While it might seemOrphantook inspiration from the 2010 events — exaggerating them by making the child a serial killer — the reality is quite the opposite. Natalia Grace herself has claimed her adoptive mother was influenced by the horror film, using it to sustain her suspicions and allegations that she was lying and threatening to harm her family.
