Genre: Drama
While multi-perspective shows often risk confusing viewers and making the story difficult to follow, Good American Family masterfully utilises this approach.
The story begins in the present day with the main character’s voiceover explaining the sequence of events, seamlessly transitioning to past scenes that provide the audience with a clear understanding of how events unfolded over time.
Based on the true-life case of Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian girl with a rare form of dwarfism, Good American Family holds a decent balance between fact and fiction. Imogen Faith Reid plays Natalia with an intriguing presence, one moment innocent and vulnerable, the next disturbingly manipulative. The ambiguity of her character is the show’s greatest strength, leaving viewers constantly second-guessing her intentions and true identity.
The Barnetts, Kristine and Michael (played by Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass), take Natalia into their home after adopting her. Kristine, who runs a daycare for children with special needs, is the first to raise suspicions about Natalia’s behaviour. Pompeo’s performance is raw and layered, portraying Kristine as both protective and increasingly desperate. Her decisions, while questionable, stem from a strong need to shield her children. The show does not shy away from hinting at her manipulative tendencies, especially when it comes to her use of her children in the public eye.
Duplass plays Michael with a subtle vulnerability, capturing a man torn between reason and denial. His refusal to believe Kristine’s growing fears about Natalia adds tension to the family dynamic, making it easy to empathise with both parents even as their choices become more extreme.
Visually, the show makes excellent use of lighting and color grading to reflect the mood of each scene. It uses cool, muted tones for the present-day sequences, while the flashbacks are warmer, creating a contrast that subtly highlights how far things have spiraled. The camera work is intimate and often focuses on facial expressions and body language to amplify the psychological tension.
With eight episodes in total (five of which are currently streaming), the series gradually reveals more about Natalia’s background and the psychological toll her presence takes on the family. It is a very slow burn but is rewarding in that it provides viewers with moments of genuine shock and emotional complexity.
As a dramatised retelling of a true story, it’s worth noting that not every detail may be accurate. For those intrigued, there are many articles and documentaries that explore the real-life events behind the show.
Good American Family is streaming now on Disney+, and it’s one of those shows that will have you talking long after the credits roll.
