She just keeps getting better and better. Her turn as Dee Dee Blanchard is even more riveting than her role in Escape from Dannemora. Hulu hits another home run.
213 Reviews
Patricia Arquette is a Revelation
krybacki-1821626 March 2019
Watch if you want to know this case
jasminhegmann28 March 2019
If you are just watching to see a action loaded spare time filler- you came to the wrong place.
This is for people who want to know more, or get to know this case.
What happened to Gypsy is a tragedy and every scene and build up is necessary to truly understand the weight of this crime and how it came to the murder.
It is pretty intense, but worth every minute...
All the actors are well chosen and nail their parts. (Gypsys voice is spot on). I personally am happy to see Robb in this production, since she lay low with her acting career for a while. With this part she is back better than ever, and I think she is most gifted to play dramatic roles.
All the actors are well chosen and nail their parts. (Gypsys voice is spot on). I personally am happy to see Robb in this production, since she lay low with her acting career for a while. With this part she is back better than ever, and I think she is most gifted to play dramatic roles.
True to the events with near flawless acting
amccallister-1850211 April 2019
I went into the series not knowing anything about the story and was completely blown away with how intensely everything was done. After watching a few episodes, I tracked down the documentary and read up on what really happened. Seeing the truth and then going back to the series made me realize how wonderfully this series is done. The acting is near flawless and the story seems to be done as true to the events as possible. Obviously, with historical shows, there will be some creative license; but it does seem like the writers took great care to keep it as realistic as possible. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the story and make up your own mind about the case. I have some very strong opinions, but I want you to go in with a clear head. Whatever your conclusion, I guarantee this series will make you think and leave you with some strong emotions. It's hard to watch, but the story definitely needed to be told.
Brilliant, Chilling and Intriguing
NirupamDhakal20 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, the very idea of Munchausen by Proxy has always fascinated me. I kept on researching about it and learning about it. I came across the case of the Blanchards and was immediately interested. Now when I heard that there was going to be a TV series based on the real life story, I was excited.
And good gracious, this show doesn't disappoint. I watched the first two episode right after it dropped and was hooked! The direction and the cinematography is simply phenomenal. But what really got me and made me impressed was the acting and the production design.
Let's start with the production design. I know it may seem unusual but as an aspiring film student with an interest on production design, I was impressed by how the house looked so much like where the crimes happened. The makeup is simply brilliant and the actors almost look like their real life counterparts. The clothes that Gypsy wears, is identical/similar to what she wore in real life.
The other best thing is the acting. Great performances all around. Stating the obvious, Patricia Arquette and Chloe Sevigny are always awesome and they shine in their roles as Dee Dee and the neighbor, Mel. But someone who surprised me was Joey King. Having seen her in stuff like The Kissing Booth, I was skeptical but she completely embodies Gypsy. She is no longer Joey King, she is Gypsy now. Her voice, her walk and her talk is not hers now, it's Gypsy's. I will call it right now, she is gonna get nominated for an Emmy.
Overall; this is a really fascinating series and can't wait for the future episodes. It's chilling. And if you are a fan of good acting, then I highly recommend this.
And good gracious, this show doesn't disappoint. I watched the first two episode right after it dropped and was hooked! The direction and the cinematography is simply phenomenal. But what really got me and made me impressed was the acting and the production design.
Let's start with the production design. I know it may seem unusual but as an aspiring film student with an interest on production design, I was impressed by how the house looked so much like where the crimes happened. The makeup is simply brilliant and the actors almost look like their real life counterparts. The clothes that Gypsy wears, is identical/similar to what she wore in real life.
The other best thing is the acting. Great performances all around. Stating the obvious, Patricia Arquette and Chloe Sevigny are always awesome and they shine in their roles as Dee Dee and the neighbor, Mel. But someone who surprised me was Joey King. Having seen her in stuff like The Kissing Booth, I was skeptical but she completely embodies Gypsy. She is no longer Joey King, she is Gypsy now. Her voice, her walk and her talk is not hers now, it's Gypsy's. I will call it right now, she is gonna get nominated for an Emmy.
Overall; this is a really fascinating series and can't wait for the future episodes. It's chilling. And if you are a fan of good acting, then I highly recommend this.
Oh, Patty! You've done it again!
nunya655222 March 2019
This show is absolutely FANTASTIC! I had goosebumps pretty much the entire way through the first episode. It's shot beautifully and the acting is incredible. Joey King is indistinguishable from the real Gypsy, and Patricia Arquette is a revelation! God, I love that woman.
The only thing I don't like about it is that it isn't bingeable! Come on, Hulu! Gives us what we want!!!
The only thing I don't like about it is that it isn't bingeable! Come on, Hulu! Gives us what we want!!!
Joey King was AMAZING!
sanjapetrovski199514 April 2019
Bone Chilling
ambaxp23 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I heard about this story before I started watching the show on Hulu. There's only currently 2 episodes out, but I think so far Hulu did a great job, giving the story and eerie twist and going in depth on what it was like to be Gypsy. While watching, it's hard to fathom that this was based on true events. I think what amazes me the most is how convincing they really were for so long. So many people were shocked when the secrets all came out. How did they get doctors to refill prescriptions and install a feeding tube when she infact didn't have any diagnosisable illnesses?
If you're interested in crime documentaries or mental illnesses including munchausen syndrome by proxy, I would totally give this show a watch. I'm looking forward to more episodes being released
If you're interested in crime documentaries or mental illnesses including munchausen syndrome by proxy, I would totally give this show a watch. I'm looking forward to more episodes being released
Praise worthy acting but too dragged out
phd_travel14 January 2020
The acting by a TOP notch cast gives their best in this white trash tragedy.
Patricia Arquette transforms to this monster of a Munchausen by Proxy maniac. Joey King gives an impressive performance as the tragic daughter.
Her voice and behaviour are convincing.
Anna Sophia looks pretty as a concerned neighbour. Chloe Sevigny plays her
Mom.
Some faults: The story could have been told in about half the time. Loses impact with so many episodes. Some bad things are the dark photography and the way the story unfolded in a non sequential manner.
Actually Close to it's Source Material
stefstars8 April 2019
I was familiar with the Blanchard case prior to watching the show. (My familiarity with it is what lead me to watch it). I really like how it's done so far. Patricia Arquette is outstanding, she really creeps me out more so than the real "Dee Dee" Blanchard in some instances. Same for the actor that's playing Gypsy's online boyfriend. The show reminds you at the end that while it's based on real events, some things have been added for dramatic purposes. There are some crazy moments in the show that I thought were part of the dramatic embellishments, but after watching several videos on the case, these crazy moments turned out to have actually happened. For example one of those moments is how Gyspy met that "Wolverine" fellow at the cosplay convention and managed to start a mini relationship with him, this turned out to be true and it truly was her first attempt at running away from home in real life. The way the show played this part, among others out made it seem so outrageous and fake to me but, to my surprise, it's an actual true event from this story. While the acting is great and some of the camera shots, it can be campy and overdone in some instances. I know this is an insane tale that happened in real life but that doesn't mean you have to make it all exaggerated, especially in moments when it doesn't have to be. Think that takes away from the "dark" true story we're watching. As for the actresses high baby voice in her portrayal of Gypsy, did you people not see the videos of the real life Gypsy ?! The actress is on point, that exactly how Gyspy sounded during this whole ordeal and after the murder took place. Watching videos of the real life case between the episode releases of the show helps you see it in a whole new way. This is what helped me appreciate it more and get less upset with how over the top they can be with some of the scenes - still think they can tone it down a notch though.
Great acting, slow story
gallagherkellie16 December 2020
All of these women did an amazing job with the acting, as well as the actor playing Nick.
The show was quite slow. I know the real story quite well and they've changed quite a bit, but I also feel like they didn't make you hate Deedee as much as you should. In real life the medicines she fed Gypsy made her ill and lose her teeth, not sugar. That would have made for a better show too.
I also have heard how unhappy people were with the show being made without any permission from the people involved and I tend to agree.
Amazing Acting
laurenelizabethsmith25 March 2019
A pretty good show repainting a beautiful, twisted new perspective on a story I'm fairly familiar with and have followed. The acting is all great, but if you've seen much of the real gypsy rose, it's clear how astonishing Joey King is in this role. Amazing to watch.
Slow drip disorder
lisbethinsydney11 July 2021
Fascinating and well-acted tale of real-life Munchausen's Disorder By Proxy that runs out of story to stretch across eight episodes. A two- or three-part miniseries might have worked better. Proof that it's worth keeping your wits about you and a lesson for health workers given the number of doctors who went along with the mother's fantasy of a perpetually ill daughter.
Too Dramatic, loosely based on the truth!
khyandi25 April 2019
Gypsy was abused much more violently then in the show. She had no room to be openly defiant as depicted. The mother was strong as an ox not some frail diabetic. I don't understand the production choices and what the purpose was. The mother was awful in real life.
With dramatic license, still pretty true to facts, so far
mjmcmullen-894933 April 2019
I have watched the first four episodes of this series, after knowing the back story quite well. I understand they are taking some dramatic license, but I am finding this to be an interesting telling of the strange relationship between Gypsy and DeeDee and what brought their story to its awful conclusion.
Patricia and Joey are great in their roles. For those who have criticized Joey's acting...please watch videos of the real Gypsy Rose. The voice is spot on. The glasses, the wigs and outfits, are all in line with reality.
For people who do not know the story, watch any documentary, to learn more about Munchausen by Proxy. I just feel badly for DeeDee wanting to keep Gypsy pretty much an eternal child.
I look forward to see how the series plays it out.
Also, I know some do not like that not all episodes dropped at once, but I am a patient person who does not mind the wait.
Sad story, but it needs to get told!
emoshca21 March 2019
Disturbingly twisted on a whole new level!! A masterpiece
virematthew27 March 2019
Patricia NEVER disappoints!! I remember when I watched the HBO documentary about Gypsy and I was shaken to the core. Just as a note for those who think Joey's acting is terrible you need to go watch the documentaries and other videos of Gypsy because that's really how she talked and acted. Pleased that they added some new story elements or it would've just been a re-enactment documentary but for the sake of being a tv show adding fictional elements was smart. Patricia gives a chilling performance for the ages that could challenge shows like GOT and Handmaid's Tale when award season rolls around. And don't count out Joey yet either. As of right now the show is only 3 episodes in but I'm so hooked and if you haven't seen the very end of episode 3.....just wait. It left me shaking and thirsty for more. It's a Hulu masterpiece.
A Gripping watch.
teknixjack24 March 2019
Stunning Drama, But Somewhat Problematic
SusieSalmonLikeTheFish24 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The Act is one of the best dramatized crime stories I have seen in a long time for many reasons. First of all, the acting is brilliant. You can literally feel Gypsy's frustration in many of the scenes as she fails to fit in with other girls due to their perception of her illness, as she is made to lie to a CPS worker and the many tense, unsettling moments between her and her mother. Dee Dee's backstory is given, which is equally disturbing, and neighbours and friends of the family are given a lot of screen time, so it's easy to see this as more than just a TV show. The soundtrack choices are well-placed, and the recreations of the Blanchard House, the prison and the home of Nick Godejohn are all spot-on. Stunning visual effects and lighting aid in the conveying of emotion and isolation - many reviewers have complained about the poor lighting during the scenes in the Blanchard home, when in reality, it really was that bad; Dee Dee had taped tinted film up over the windows to block them. There are some brilliant scenes to establish why Gypsy didn't just walk away and leave, such as the scene of Dee Dee lying that Gypsy is 14 years old, and another in which they both watch the stars together while homeless in a park. Gypsy's ambivalence, as well as the abuse she suffers, are truly a jarring viewing experience.
While this series is good, I wouldn't recommend it to those interested in an accurate account of the true story in which it was based upon. This is especially true due to the character of Nick Godejohn, who is portrayed as a poor, simple-minded boy under Gypsy's thumb, some innocent person who got caught up in the throes of love. In reality, there was something dark about Nick from the start. He was a pervert who had been arrested after fondling himself to pornography in a McDonald's restaurant for 9 whole hours (I kid you not), and his parents should have been keeping a better handle on his internet usage and associations, as he was unstable. He had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (high-functioning autism) but there is still dispute on whether or not his mental capacity was actually hindered by this or not, or if he was just socially awkward. Gypsy herself is portrayed as a malicious, nasty psychopath. In reality she was noted to exhibit very mild sociopathic tendencies mimicked from her own mother, and she has admitted to manipulating Nick, but the series here takes quite a few fictional liberties in the portrayal of their "relationship", and somewhat downplays the extent of the medical abuse that Gypsy suffered and the amount of drugs that she was on.
The Act is also quite a long series, and it leaves a lot to be desired in the final episode. I would have liked to see more of Gypsy's rekindled relationship with her estranged father, more of his own input and memory on Dee Dee and Gypsy, more about Dee Dee and Gypsy's experience with Hurricane Katrina and how this aided in Dee Dee's ability to "lose" Gypsy's records and keep up the lie, and the input from Dee Dee's extended family that she had poisoned her stepmother and neglected her biological mother, as well as the flushing of Dee Dee's ashes down the toilet, as it might have given a better reflection of why Dee Dee's death received more joy than grief. There are scenes which were dragged out in a bizarre way, such as the comic convention scene, which could have been cut back quite a bit, and scenes where Nick's father is bitter towards Gypsy before he even knows that she and Nick have done anything wrong (this is never explained and felt very irrelevant). The series felt much stronger in its initial episodes, whereas after the actual murder, it began to lag and get a bit silly at some points, such as when Nick is portrayed as frequently picking up rocks and keeping a list of things to do such as "remember to feed Gypsy", and Gypsy releasing her two pet guinea pigs outdoors to "set them free" in a very odd display of empathy and childish whimsy that really contradicts the storyline that Gypsy was a cold-blooded manipulator. The final episode also replays the stabbing scene in a very long, drawn-out way which seemed unnecessary considering that it had already been portrayed at one point earlier on, and that repeated flashbacks and mentions of it, as well as imagery of Dee Dee's corpse, had all been shown.
As a drama, The Act is compelling, and viewers who remember films such as the 1970's Stephen King's Carrie and Mommie Dearest (1981) will find that this story explores a disturbing mother-daughter relationship with striking depth and understanding. As a biopic and a series, it could have used some work on detail, accuracy and better use of its allotted time. I did especially love Mel as a character most of all, though. Her caustic demeanour falls away in front of Gypsy in the final episode as the two share a heartfelt, sad moment when Mel realizes how long Gypsy had been lying to her, and when the two realize that if somebody had done something sooner, maybe they could have been connected like some semblance of a family within their close-knit yet tenuous and distant suburban circle. While fictional, Mel and many of the other side characters serve as some of The Act's best character development.
While this series is good, I wouldn't recommend it to those interested in an accurate account of the true story in which it was based upon. This is especially true due to the character of Nick Godejohn, who is portrayed as a poor, simple-minded boy under Gypsy's thumb, some innocent person who got caught up in the throes of love. In reality, there was something dark about Nick from the start. He was a pervert who had been arrested after fondling himself to pornography in a McDonald's restaurant for 9 whole hours (I kid you not), and his parents should have been keeping a better handle on his internet usage and associations, as he was unstable. He had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (high-functioning autism) but there is still dispute on whether or not his mental capacity was actually hindered by this or not, or if he was just socially awkward. Gypsy herself is portrayed as a malicious, nasty psychopath. In reality she was noted to exhibit very mild sociopathic tendencies mimicked from her own mother, and she has admitted to manipulating Nick, but the series here takes quite a few fictional liberties in the portrayal of their "relationship", and somewhat downplays the extent of the medical abuse that Gypsy suffered and the amount of drugs that she was on.
The Act is also quite a long series, and it leaves a lot to be desired in the final episode. I would have liked to see more of Gypsy's rekindled relationship with her estranged father, more of his own input and memory on Dee Dee and Gypsy, more about Dee Dee and Gypsy's experience with Hurricane Katrina and how this aided in Dee Dee's ability to "lose" Gypsy's records and keep up the lie, and the input from Dee Dee's extended family that she had poisoned her stepmother and neglected her biological mother, as well as the flushing of Dee Dee's ashes down the toilet, as it might have given a better reflection of why Dee Dee's death received more joy than grief. There are scenes which were dragged out in a bizarre way, such as the comic convention scene, which could have been cut back quite a bit, and scenes where Nick's father is bitter towards Gypsy before he even knows that she and Nick have done anything wrong (this is never explained and felt very irrelevant). The series felt much stronger in its initial episodes, whereas after the actual murder, it began to lag and get a bit silly at some points, such as when Nick is portrayed as frequently picking up rocks and keeping a list of things to do such as "remember to feed Gypsy", and Gypsy releasing her two pet guinea pigs outdoors to "set them free" in a very odd display of empathy and childish whimsy that really contradicts the storyline that Gypsy was a cold-blooded manipulator. The final episode also replays the stabbing scene in a very long, drawn-out way which seemed unnecessary considering that it had already been portrayed at one point earlier on, and that repeated flashbacks and mentions of it, as well as imagery of Dee Dee's corpse, had all been shown.
As a drama, The Act is compelling, and viewers who remember films such as the 1970's Stephen King's Carrie and Mommie Dearest (1981) will find that this story explores a disturbing mother-daughter relationship with striking depth and understanding. As a biopic and a series, it could have used some work on detail, accuracy and better use of its allotted time. I did especially love Mel as a character most of all, though. Her caustic demeanour falls away in front of Gypsy in the final episode as the two share a heartfelt, sad moment when Mel realizes how long Gypsy had been lying to her, and when the two realize that if somebody had done something sooner, maybe they could have been connected like some semblance of a family within their close-knit yet tenuous and distant suburban circle. While fictional, Mel and many of the other side characters serve as some of The Act's best character development.
It's captivating, frightening, and brilliant
burgerman931 January 2024
I watched this a couple years back and am revisiting it in light of Gypsy's prison release. The story of DeeDee Blanchard's Münchausen syndrome by proxy is heart breaking- and while this miniseries is somewhat dramatized, it delivers strong performances and convincing locations.
The first five or six episodes are nearly immaculate. Arquette and King effortlessly absorb themselves into the mother and daughter roles. And we can understand how the system failed Gypsy.
Things took a turn when the 1990s flashback scenes and the scenes of Nick's family were introduced- I didn't feel those were pertinent for telling the story.
Overall it's a miniseries worthy of its Emmy award nominations.
The first five or six episodes are nearly immaculate. Arquette and King effortlessly absorb themselves into the mother and daughter roles. And we can understand how the system failed Gypsy.
Things took a turn when the 1990s flashback scenes and the scenes of Nick's family were introduced- I didn't feel those were pertinent for telling the story.
Overall it's a miniseries worthy of its Emmy award nominations.
Good acting and true storyline
diman-003074 October 2019
Blown Away
undeniably31 January 2024
I had some awareness of this project, but didn't become curious until Gypsy Rose was released from prison. How did I miss this? Well-acted and captivating performances from the entire cast. You can tell the story has some dramatic license, but Patricia Arquette delivers as Gypsy's mother, adding another ominous performance akin to her turn in "Severance". Joey King reminds us of what range she has an actress. Chloe Sevigny is convincing as concerned neighbor "Mel", and AnnaSophia Robb charms as Gypsy's friend. Worth a binge watch, especially if you like time jumps with dramatic crime and intrigue.
What I saw was good.
kgmm-4314223 March 2019
Started off good then got boring
tequila34343 May 2019
The first few episodes were intriguing (yes I went into this knowing a lot of it was dramatized), but the last few episodes were just plain boring and bad. The acting gets annoying and laughable especially by the main male character Nick. Yes, we know he is a psycho but the actor tries too hard to be creepy and it becomes a joke. A lot of it was repetitive and the last 2 episodes were a complete snoozefest. I would say overall don't waste your time on this boring, sleep inducing mess.
Brilliant
ridwanyoung21 March 2019
A truely brilliant show
Xaliven25 March 2019
I had chills watching the first episode and the acting is just amazing. I'm not really the type of person who would review a show or anything but I really want this show to do well and that's why I recommend it to anyone who's interested in the story even a little.
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