‘Hidden gem’ Netflix period drama ‘masterpiece’ is ‘next Downton Abbey’

TV fanatics have uncovered a hidden gem on streaming giant Netflix, which has been dubbed a "masterpiece". Compared to BBC's hit period drama, Downton Abbey, Netflix's Alias Grace follows an Irish immigrant in 19th-century Canada, who is convicted of the murder of her employer.

However, things take a different turn when a psychiatrist arrives to analyse her mental state. Grace is sentenced to life in prison, leading her to become one of the most notorious women of the period in Canada. The story is based on actual 19th-century events. Starring Sarah Godon as Grace, the 2017 miniseries is a masterful adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name. Each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat, as it gradually reveals the layers of Grace's character and the events surrounding the infamous murder case. The series consists of six episodes and has a 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 8.00 out of 10.

Fans who have been hooked on the mini-series have urged others to watch it. On Rotten Tomatoes, one wrote: "Although it may not have so much visual strength, there are some quite inspired moments that help 'Alias Grace' to be a jewel that deserves to be discovered."

Another added: "Alias Grace is a solid, well-made piece of television that doesn't hide its intelligence under a bonnet, as costume dramas can do. Nor does it attempt to keep your attention with soap opera style cliff-hangers."

One more person applauded the show, admitting that they came across it by accident. The fan wrote: "Alias Grace is a show that, normally, would not necessarily come across my radar as something to watch.

"I started it after a recommendation from a family member, who very interestingly told me 'it looks like a period piece, but it's done very well'.

"That was telling to me. Often, when one thinks of period piece, they think of stuffy dramas that look old and outdated even when they are new. A few really rise to the surface (John Adams a while back comes to mind), but many just reside in that muddy middle.

"Fortunately, Alias Grace is a period piece done absolutely perfectly, as it creates and advances great characters, is at the same time a commentary on more contemporary times, and features writing/acting that is top notch."